Ensuring your child is progressing developmentally is crucial for their overall well-being and future success. Early detection of delays allows for timely intervention, fostering skills in speech, motor functions, and social interactions. By monitoring their growth, you can help your child reach their full potential and navigate each developmental milestone with confidence. We expect to see the following milestones for children ages 12 to 18 months:
Cognitive
- Looks at picture book with adult
- Places a small object into small container
- Demonstrates use of everyday items
- Combines two related objects during play (e.g., bowl and spoon)
- Manages three to four toys by setting one aside when given a new toy
Communication
- Follows directions about placing an item “in” and “on” another
- Has a word, sound, or sign for drink
- Uses at least five words
- Points to at least three body parts when asked
- Indicates “yes” or “no” in response to questions
Social-Emotional
- Separates from caregiver in familiar settings without crying
- Attempts to comfort others in distress
- Wants to do many things without help
- Enjoys simple make-believe
- When faced with novel situation, looks to caregiver for reassurance
Adaptive
- Stirs with spoon
- Fusses when diapers need to be changed
- Helps with simple household tasks
- Tries to wash own hands and face
- Can use a straw
Physical Development
- Uses one hand consistently in most activities
- Can squat then stand again maintaining balance
- Creeps backward down steps
- Climbs low play equipment
- Uses hand to hold paper in place when drawing
Notes:
Folio, M.R., & Fewell, R.R. (2000). Peabody developmental motor scales-Second edition. Austin, TX: PRO-ED.
Kipping, P., Gard, A., Gilman, L., & Gorman, J. (2012). Speech and language development (3rd ed.), Austin, TX: PRO-ED.
Linder., T.W. (1993). Transdisciplinary play-based assessment. Baltimore, MD: Brookes.
Voress, J.K., & Maddox, T. (2013). Developmental assessment of young children-Second edition. Austin, TX: PRO-ED.
