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.