What are the Signs of Developmental Delays?

Identifying developmental delays involves monitoring your child for specific red flags across social, language, and physical domains. According to the CDC and Heart Core ABA, potential signs of concern include:

Language and Communication:

• No babbling or gesturing by 12 months.
• Lack of response to their name by 12 months.
• No single words by 16 months.
• Limited babbling or persistent babbling without using gestures.

Social and Emotional:

• Limited or minimal eye contact.
• Lack of social smiling by 6 months.
• No joint attention (sharing experiences with others) by 9 months.

Movement and Physical:

• Not walking independently by 18 months.
• Relying on others for movement past the expected age benchmarks.

If you notice these patterns, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician promptly. Early intervention services and personalized ABA therapy can provide support for these delays without necessarily implying a formal diagnosis, focusing instead on building communication, confidence, and independence.