Is my child's development on track? Key signs your child may need extra support

Every child grows at their own pace—but if you’ve noticed your child is slower to meet milestones than others their age, it’s natural to feel concerned. While small differences are normal, consistent delays in certain areas may signal that your child could benefit from extra support.

In this post, we explore key developmental areas—motor skills, language, social and emotional development, cognitive skills, and self-help abilities—so you know what to look out for and when to consider seeking professional advice.

Signs your child may benefit from extra developmental support

Developmental milestones help track how your child is progressing across a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive skills. If your child shows delays in more than one area, or if concerns persist over time, it could be worth discussing with a qualified professional.

Motor skills

Gross motor skills

• Are they sitting up by around 9 months?
• Are they walking independently by 18 months?

Fine motor skills

• Can they grasp small objects, like blocks or crayons?
• Are they able to manipulate toys or feed themselves finger foods?

Speech and language

• Are they babbling by 12 months?
• Are they saying single words by 16 months?
• Are they using two-word phrases by 24 months?
• Do they understand and follow simple instructions?

Social and emotional development

• Do they make eye contact and show a range of facial expressions?
• Do they respond to their name by around 12 months?
• Are they interested in interacting with others, including adults and children?
• Do they imitate others and engage in simple pretend play?

Cognitive skills

• Do they explore their surroundings with curiosity?
• Are they eager to learn new skills?
• Do they understand simple cause-and-effect relationships (e.g., peekaboo)?

Adaptive (self-help) skills

• Can they feed themselves by around age 2?
• Do they assist with getting dressed (e.g., putting on a hat or shoes)?
• Are they showing interest in toilet training between the ages of 3 and 4?

When to consider a developmental assessment

If your child is showing multiple delays, or if they’ve missed several milestones and these concerns are ongoing, a comprehensive developmental assessment may help clarify what support is needed. Early identification and intervention can make a big difference in building your child’s confidence and helping them thrive.