Every child grows and learns at their own pace, but there are common milestones that offer a helpful guide for tracking development. Recognizing the signs of developmental delays in toddlers early gives families the chance to connect with support and services while a child’s brain is building new skills every day.
For families in Baltimore County, understanding what typical development looks like, along with the signs that may point to a delay, is the first step toward finding the right support. This guide walks through common milestones, signs worth discussing with a pediatrician, and how early intervention services can help your family move forward.
Common Developmental Milestones by Age
Developmental milestones are skills most toddlers reach by a certain age. They span several areas, including communication, movement, play, and social connection. While every child develops differently, these general ranges can help families know what to look for.
By 12 months, many toddlers are pulling up to stand, waving bye-bye, and responding to their name. By 18 months, toddlers often say several single words, point to show interest, and walk independently. By 2 years, many children combine two words together, follow simple two-step directions, and begin engaging in pretend play. By 3 years, toddlers often speak in short sentences, take turns during play, and climb and run with more coordination.
These milestones are a starting point, not a strict checklist. A pediatrician or early intervention provider can offer a fuller picture of how a child’s development compares to typical ranges.
Signs That May Point to a Developmental Delay
Some signs are worth bringing up at a well-child visit or sharing with an early intervention program. These can include:
- Limited eye contact or reduced interest in social interaction
- Few or no words by 18 months, or difficulty combining words by age 2
- Not responding consistently to their name
- Limited interest in pointing, showing, or sharing objects with others
- Difficulty with transitions or new routines
- Delayed motor skills, such as walking, climbing, or using utensils
- Repetitive movements or a strong preference for sameness
Noticing one or two of these signs does not necessarily mean a child has a developmental delay. Development varies widely, and many toddlers show uneven progress across different skill areas. Sharing observations with a pediatrician or requesting a developmental screening can help families understand next steps with clarity.
The CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. program helps families track developmental milestones from age 2 months through 5 years and encourages families to act early whenever a concern comes up. Their milestone checklists offer a helpful reference for tracking progress at home.
How Early Intervention Services Support Growth
Early intervention services are designed to support toddlers and their families during a period of rapid brain development. These services can include speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral support, depending on a child’s individual strengths and goals.
Early intervention services in Baltimore County connect families with evaluations, therapy, and coaching that fits into everyday routines. Rather than focusing only on what a child is not yet doing, these services build on a child’s current abilities and interests to support communication, play, social connection, and daily living skills.
Clinic-based programs, such as Allium’s Clinic-Based Early Intervention services, offer structured environments where toddlers can practice new skills alongside caring professionals, while parent coaching keeps families involved every step of the way. Programs like Allium Sprouts also give caregivers and toddlers the chance to build skills together in a supportive group setting, whether or not a family is pursuing ABA-specific services.
What Happens After Recognizing the Early Signs of Developmental Delays in Toddlers
Once a family notices possible signs of a developmental delay, a few clear steps can help move the process forward:
- Share observations with a pediatrician. A doctor can offer guidance and, if needed, a referral for a developmental evaluation.
- Request a developmental screening. Screenings help identify specific areas where a child may benefit from extra support.
- Connect with local early intervention resources. In Maryland, families can reach out to the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program for evaluations and services for children from birth to age three.
- Explore local providers. Baltimore County families can review specialized programs, including clinic-based early intervention and parent-child classes, to find the right fit.
Each of these steps builds toward a clearer picture of a child’s strengths and needs, along with a plan for meaningful support.
Connecting with Early Intervention in Baltimore County
Families across Baltimore City and Baltimore County have access to a range of early intervention resources, from developmental screenings to clinic-based therapy programs. Allium Behavioral Services partners with families throughout this process, offering individualized support that grows alongside each child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Signs of Developmental Delays in Toddlers
When should I be concerned about my toddler’s development?
It’s worth talking with a pediatrician if your toddler isn’t meeting several milestones for their age, loses skills they once had, or shows limited eye contact, words, or interest in social interaction by 18 months. A pediatrician or early intervention provider can help determine whether a developmental screening makes sense.
What are early signs of developmental delays in toddlers?
Early signs can include limited eye contact, few words by 18 months, reduced interest in pointing or sharing objects, and delayed motor skills like walking or climbing. Every child develops differently, so a pediatrician or early intervention provider can help interpret these signs in context.
How is early intervention different from ABA therapy?
Early intervention is a broad system of services, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy, available to children under age three with developmental delays. ABA therapy is one type of support within that system, focused on building communication, social, and behavioral skills through individualized strategies. Many families use both, depending on a child’s specific needs.
Where can Baltimore County families get an evaluation?
Families can start with their pediatrician or contact the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program directly for a developmental evaluation. Local providers, including Allium Behavioral Services, can also help families understand the evaluation and referral process.
Connect with Our Team
If you have questions about your toddler’s development or want to learn how early intervention services can support your family, connect with our team at Allium Behavioral Services. We partner with Baltimore County and Baltimore City families to build individualized plans grounded in each child’s strengths.