By Age Group

At 6 Months

• Doesn’t respond to sounds or turns head to locate them

• Doesn’t show affection or smile at people

• Poor head control or stiff/floppy limbs

• Doesn’t roll over or bring objects to mouth

At 9 Months

• Doesn’t sit without support

• Doesn’t babble (“mama,” “baba,” “dada”)

• Doesn’t recognize familiar faces

• Doesn’t look where you point

At 12 Months

• Doesn’t crawl or stand with support

• Doesn’t say single words like “mama” or “dada”

• No gestures like waving or pointing

• Doesn’t respond to name

At 18 Months

• Can’t walk or walking is very unsteady

• Doesn’t speak at least 6–10 words

• Doesn’t know what common items are for (e.g., brush, spoon)

• Shows little interest in others or playing

At 2 Years

• Doesn’t use 2-word phrases (e.g., “more juice”)

• Has trouble following simple instructions

• Doesn’t imitate actions or words

• Can’t push a wheeled toy

At 3 Years

• Doesn’t speak in simple sentences

• Can’t work simple toys (like shape sorters)

• Avoids playing with other children

• Falls frequently or has difficulty with stairs

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Red Flags Across Ages

• Loss of skills once learned (e.g., speech or motor skills)

• Lack of eye contact or emotional connection

• Very limited interest in surroundings or people

• Unusual behavior (hand-flapping, rocking, or extreme reactions to lights/sounds)

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What Should Parents Do?

• Don’t wait and see. Early intervention is key.

• Talk to your pediatrician if you notice any of these signs.

• Ask about developmental screening or a referral to a specialist.