Red Flags & When to Seek Help

Every Child Develops Differently

While all children develop at their own pace, certain signs may indicate that a child could benefit from early intervention support. Trust your instincts as a parent - you know your child best. If something doesn't seem right, it's always better to ask.

Early intervention makes a difference. Children who receive support early have the best outcomes.

By 3 Months - Seek Help If Baby:

• Doesn't seem to respond to loud sounds
• Doesn't watch things as they move
• Doesn't smile at people
• Doesn't bring hands to mouth
• Can't hold head up when pushing up during tummy time

By 6 Months - Seek Help If Baby:

• Doesn't try to get things that are in reach
• Shows no affection for caregivers
• Doesn't respond to sounds around them
• Doesn't make vowel sounds ("ah", "eh", "oh")
• Doesn't laugh or make squealing sounds
• Seems very stiff or very floppy
• Doesn't roll over in either direction

By 9 Months - Seek Help If Baby:

• Doesn't bear weight on legs with support
• Doesn't sit with help
• Doesn't babble ("mama", "baba", "dada")
• Doesn't play any back-and-forth games
• Doesn't respond to own name
• Doesn't seem to recognize familiar people
• Doesn't look where you point
• Doesn't transfer toys from one hand to another

By 12 Months - Seek Help If Baby:

• Doesn't crawl
• Can't stand when supported
• Doesn't search for things they see you hide
• Doesn't say single words like "mama" or "dada"
• Doesn't learn gestures like waving or shaking head
• Doesn't point to things
• Loses skills they once had

By 18 Months - Seek Help If Toddler:

• Doesn't point to show things to others
• Doesn't notice or mind when a caregiver leaves or returns
• Can't walk
• Doesn't know what familiar things are for (brush, phone)
• Doesn't copy others
• Doesn't have at least 6 words
• Doesn't gain new words
• Loses skills they once had

By 24 Months - Seek Help If Toddler:

• Doesn't use 2-word phrases (like "drink milk")
• Doesn't know what to do with common things (brush, phone, fork)
• Doesn't copy actions and words
• Doesn't follow simple instructions
• Doesn't walk steadily
• Loses skills they once had

By 36 Months (3 Years) - Seek Help If Child:

• Falls down a lot or has trouble with stairs
• Drools or has very unclear speech
• Can't work simple toys (puzzles, knobs, turning pages)
• Doesn't speak in sentences
• Doesn't understand simple instructions
• Doesn't play pretend or make-believe
• Doesn't want to play with other children or toys
• Doesn't make eye contact
• Loses skills they once had

At ANY Age - Seek Help If Your Child:

• Loses skills they once had (words, walking, social skills)
• Shows extreme behaviors (very fearful, aggressive, withdrawn)
• Doesn't respond to their name consistently
• Avoids eye contact or doesn't engage with others
• Has unusual movements (repetitive motions, stiffness, floppiness)

What to Do If You're Concerned

1. Trust your instincts - You know your child best
2. Talk to your pediatrician - Share your specific concerns
3. Request an evaluation - Early intervention evaluations are free
4. Contact us - We can help guide you through the process