Signs in kids to look for
As a parent, it can be hard to know when you should ask for help. Kids develop at different stages, with some missed milestones totally common and others cause for concern, we share an early identification guide.
If you’re answering no to these questions at these ages, it’s worth talking to your local Child Development Service or a private child health provider.
Social emotional | Communication | |
|---|---|---|
6 months old | Do they smile or interact with people? | Are they babbling? (dahh, bah) |
9 months old | Do they share enjoyment with others using eye contact or facial expression? | Do they use gestures? Do they babble with two syllables? (dada) |
12 months old | Do they notice someone new? | Do they make babbling phrases that sound like talking? Do they respond to familiar words? |
18 months old | Are they interested in playing and interacting with others? | Do they make clear words? Are they able to understand short requests? |
2 years | When they play with toys do they tend to bang, drop or throw the toys rather than use them for their purpose? | Are they learning new words? Do they put words together? |
3 years | Do they have interest in pretend play or interacting with other children? feelings in themselves and others? | Are people who spend time with them able to understand most of their speech? Do they use simple sentences? |
4 years | Are they willing and able to play cooperatively? | Are people able to understand them? Are they able to follow directions with two steps? |
5 years | Is their play similar to their friends? | Can they tell their parents what’s wrong? Can they answer questions in a simple conversation? |
Fine skills and understanding | Motor skills | |
|---|---|---|
6 months old | Can they reach and grasp toys? Are their hands mostly unclenched? Do they explore objects with their hands, eyes and mouth? Do they bring their hands together in the middle of their body? | Do they hold their head and shoulders up with good control when they’re lying on their tummy? Do they hold their head when they’re supported to sit? |
9 months old | Do they hold objects? Do they give objects if you ask? Can they move a toy from one hand to another? | Can they roll? Can they sit without support? Can they move around? Can they take weight on their legs when held standing? |
12 months old | Can they feed themselves finger foods and/or hold their own cup/bottle? Can they pick up small items using their finger and thumb? | Are they independently mobile? (crawling etc.) Can they pull to stand while holding onto a support? |
18 months old | Can they scribble with a crayon? Can they try stacking blocks after you’ve showed them how? | Do they stand alone? Do they attempt to walk alone? Can they walk alone? |
2 years | Do they try to feed themselves with a spoon and try to dress themselves? | Can they walk up and down stairs while holding on? |
3 years | Do they move small objects like threading beads? | Can they walk up and down stairs alone? Can they run and jump? |
4 years | Can they use the toilet during the day? Can they draw lines and circles? | Can they run and climb and jump confidently? Can they catch, throw or kick a ball? |
5 years | Is their teacher comfortable they’re ready for school? Can they feed and dress themselves? Can they draw simple pictures? | Can they hop five times on one leg and stand on one leg for five seconds? |
At any age, if you have strong concerns about your child, it’s worth talking to your GP/doctor. If you believe your child is losing skills, not responding to sounds or sensory input, not interacting well with others, not making eye contact, has differences in strength on each side of their body or is overly floppy or stiff - these are signs that you should contact Child Development Services or your health provider.
A huge thank you to the Queensland Government’s Children Health for their ‘Red Flags Early Identification Guide’ 2016.