Growing Together: Understanding Your Child’s Development
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By Sheldon Riklon, M.D.
Childhood is a time of growth, discovery, and change. From a baby’s first smile to a toddler’s first words, these special moments are called developmental milestones, which help parents understand how children are learning, communicating, and exploring the world around them.
While every child grows at their own pace, milestones can give you a guideline of what to expect and when to ask for extra support.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are the skills children learn as they grow. These skills cover your child’s ability to move on their own and how they communicate, think, and interact with others. Developmental milestones build on each other over time and fall into four main areas:
- Social and Emotional Development — How children connect with others, show feelings, and play.
- Language and Communication — How children understand and use words, sounds, and gestures.
- Cognitive Development — How children think, learn, and solve problems.
- Physical Development — How children move and use their bodies (e.g., rolling, crawling, walking, running)
While every child is unique, specific milestones at different stages help you and your baby’s doctor understand their growth.
- For example, at around six months old, your baby should mimic sounds, reach and grasp for objects, and begin early movements like rolling and crawling.
- By 12 months, your baby should start saying simple words like “mama” or “dada” and begin to take their first steps.
Children continue to build on these skills as they grow into teenagers and eventually into adults. Sometimes, children don’t meet these milestones, which can signal a developmental delay and the need for an autism evaluation.
Understanding Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and behaves.
It is called a spectrum because it looks different in every child or person. For example, some children with autism may talk a lot while others may not speak at all. Some may need daily support, while others live independently.
But it’s important to remember, autism is not caused by parenting styles, vaccines, or discipline. It is a developmental condition that begins early in life.
Early Signs to Watch For
Identifying autism early on can lead to better outcomes in communication, learning, and independence. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at 18 months and 24 months during regular check-ups.
Because there is not a single medical test for autism, health care providers use developmental screenings and patterns of behavior to identify possible delays in development. Some things your child’s doctor may look for include:
- Social Differences
- Limited eye contact
- Not responding to their name
- Limited interest in playing with others
- Communication Differences
- Delayed or no speech
- Limited use of gestures (pointing, waving)
- Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
- Behavioral Patterns
- Repetitive movements (rocking, hand-flapping)
- Intense focus on specific interests
- Sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures
Keep in mind, one sign alone does not mean a child has autism. Doctors look for patterns across different areas of development.
Support Services for Autistic Children
If a child has a delay or is diagnosed with autism, early support services can make a big difference. Some examples of early support services include:
- Speech Therapy — Supports communication and language skills
- Occupational Therapy — Builds independence in daily activities and motor skills
- Behavioral Therapy — Encourages positive behaviors and social development
- Social Skills Training — Helps children learn interaction, play, and communication skills
Many of these services are available through early childhood programs, Medicaid, and public schools. Early support doesn’t change who a child is; it helps them build essential life skills.
Every child grows in their own way and at their own pace, but understanding milestones can help you track your child’s progress and know when to seek support.
If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor because getting help early can make a big difference for your child and your family.
Sheldon Riklon, M.D., is a professor in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and a co-investigator with the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation.