Most parents spend a lot of time wondering whether their child is hitting the right milestones. You find yourself comparing notes at playgroup, scanning articles at midnight, and quietly watching your toddler to see whether they are doing what other kids their age seem to be doing.
That instinct to pay attention is a good one. Child development milestones exist as useful guides, not strict deadlines, but they do help us notice when a child might benefit from a closer look. Early developmental concerns, when identified early, can open the door to support that makes a real difference.
Here are ten things that may be worth discussing with a professional if you notice them in your toddler.
Signs that may be worth exploring
- Not babbling or using words by 12 to 15 months. Most toddlers begin experimenting with sounds well before their first birthday. If your child is not babbling by around 12 months or not using any recognisable words by 15 months, it may be worth mentioning to your GP or child health nurse at your next visit.
- Limited or no eye contact. Eye contact is one of the earliest forms of social connection. If your toddler rarely makes eye contact, even with familiar caregivers, it could be something a professional would want to explore further as part of a broader developmental picture.
- Not pointing or gesturing by 12 months. Pointing to share interest, waving, or reaching up to be held are all important communication markers. If these gestures are not emerging around the expected time, it may be worth raising at your next health check.
- Loss of skills they previously had. If your child was saying a few words and then stopped, or seemed to be progressing well and has become more withdrawn, this is always something worth bringing to a professional’s attention promptly, rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.
- Significant distress around changes in routine. Many toddlers resist change, but if your child becomes extremely distressed by minor shifts in routine or needs rigid sameness to get through the day, it may be helpful to discuss this with a paediatrician to understand what might be going on.
- Limited pretend play. By around 18 months, most toddlers begin simple pretend play, like feeding a toy or pretending to talk on the phone. If imaginative play does not seem to be emerging by age two, it could be useful to mention this during a developmental check.
- Strong or unusual responses to sensory input. A child who is very sensitive to sounds, textures, or touch, or who seems to seek out intense sensory experiences, may benefit from a conversation with a professional about whether further assessment could be helpful.
- Not walking independently by 18 months. While there is a natural range in when children walk, most are walking independently by 15 months. If your child is not walking by 18 months, a developmental assessment for toddlers is a reasonable next step to explore.
- Difficulty engaging with other children. Toddlers are not expected to play cooperatively until around age three, but showing very little interest in other children, or becoming consistently distressed in social settings, can be something worth discussing during a paediatric developmental check.
- Your gut is telling you something is not quite right. Parents know their child better than anyone. If something feels off, even if you cannot name exactly what it is, that is a valid reason to seek a professional opinion. Trusting that instinct is not overreacting. It is good parenting.
What are the early signs of developmental delay in toddlers?
Some patterns that professionals may look at when considering a developmental assessment include limited communication (few or no words, minimal babbling, or difficulty following simple instructions), reduced social engagement such as limited eye contact or little interest in others, and motor differences such as late walking or difficulty with coordination. It is important to remember that no single behaviour tells the whole story. If you notice a pattern across several areas, or if something has changed in your child’s development, it is worth raising with your GP rather than trying to interpret it on your own.
When should a child have a developmental assessment?
There is no single right age. In Australia, routine child health checks are offered at key ages including one, two, and three and a half years, and these are natural opportunities to raise any concerns. But you do not need to wait for a scheduled check if something is on your mind. Early intervention services tend to be most effective when accessed as early as possible, so if you are noticing something that does not feel right, a conversation with your GP is a straightforward first step. They can assess whether a referral to a developmental paediatrician in Perth would be appropriate.
If several of the signs above resonate with you, the most practical next step is to bring them up with your GP. They can review your child’s development, discuss your concerns, and refer you on for a more detailed paediatric developmental check if needed. From there, a specialist can help make sense of what they observe and guide you on whether any further support would be beneficial.
Getting a developmental check does not mean something is definitively wrong. It means you are being proactive, and for many families, it is the first step toward getting their child the right support at the right time.
Not sure where to start? Your GP is a great first point of contact. With a referral, your child can be seen by a paediatrician or psychologist at Smart Paeds for a thorough developmental assessment, with support tailored to your child and your family.
Smart Paeds supports families across Perth with guidance, assessments, and ongoing care, working closely with parents, schools, and healthcare providers.
