Red Flags

For infants from 0-18 months, watch for the following red flags: no response to loud noises or sounds, no eye tracking or smiling by 3 months, inability to support head by 4 months, not reaching for objects or bringing them to mouth by 6 months, no laughing, babbling, or interest in interactive games by 8 months, and not sitting steadily or using gestures like waving by 10-12 months.

Additionally, be alert to stiffness, floppiness, persistent eye issues, or difficulty standing when supported at any time.

Red Flags

For toddlers from 18-36 months, red flags include not walking or speaking at least 15 words by 18 months, not using two-word sentences or imitating actions by 24 months, frequent falls, unclear speech, difficulty with stairs, and inability to follow simple instructions.

By 36 months, watch for inability to copy a circle, communicate in short phrases, engage in pretend play, understand instructions, or show interest in other children.

Extreme difficulty separating from a caregiver and not knowing common object functions by 15 months are also concerning signs.

Red Flags

For children aged 3-5 years, red flags include inability to jump in place, ride a tricycle, grasp a crayon between thumb and fingers, scribble, copy a circle, or stack 4 blocks.

Behavioral concerns include still clinging or crying when parents leave, no interest in interactive games or fantasy play, ignoring other children, not responding to people outside the family, resisting dressing, sleeping, or using the toilet, lashing out without self-control, not using sentences of more than three words, and not using “me” or “you” appropriately.

If any of these developmental red flags are observed, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.