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๐Ÿ‘ถ Pediatric

Pediatric Developmental Milestones

Key developmental milestones by age โ€” motor, language, social, and cognitive โ€” with red flags requiring referral.

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Infant (0โ€“12 months)

Test / ParameterNormal RangeClinical Notes
2 monthsSocial smile, coos, holds head up 45ยฐRed flag: no smile by 8 weeks.
4 monthsRolls front-to-back, reaches for objects, laughsRed flag: no head control.
6 monthsSits with support, babbles, stranger anxietyRed flag: not reaching for objects.
9 monthsPulls to stand, pincer grasp, "mama/dada" non-specificRed flag: not sitting independently.
12 monthsWalks with help, 1โ€“2 words, uses pincer graspRed flag: no words by 12 months; no walking by 18 months.
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Toddler & Preschool

Test / ParameterNormal RangeClinical Notes
15โ€“18 moWalks independently, 5โ€“10 words, uses spoonRed flag: not walking by 18 months.
2 yearsRuns, 2-word phrases, stacks 4โ€“6 blocksRed flag: <50 words or no 2-word phrases by 24 months.
3 yearsTricycle, 3-word sentences, toilet trainedRed flag: speech unintelligible to strangers.
4 yearsHops on one foot, tells stories, counts to 10Red flag: cannot follow 3-step instructions.
5 yearsSkips, knows colors, dresses selfRed flag: cannot hop or skip; social difficulties.
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School-Age & Adolescent

Test / ParameterNormal RangeClinical Notes
6โ€“12 yearsReads, writes, concrete operationsErikson: Industry vs. Inferiority. Peers important.
12โ€“18 yearsAbstract thinking, identity formationErikson: Identity vs. Role Confusion. Risk-taking peaks.
Screening ToolsASQ, Denver II, M-CHATASQ: Ages 2โ€“60 months. M-CHAT: Autism screening at 18 & 24 months.
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Red Flags โ€” Refer for Evaluation

Test / ParameterNormal RangeClinical Notes
No social smile by 8 weeksReferPossible developmental delay or autism spectrum.
No babbling by 12 monthsReferHearing evaluation, speech-language referral.
No words by 16 monthsReferEarly intervention. Consider autism screening (M-CHAT).
No walking by 18 monthsReferMotor delay evaluation. Consider physical therapy.
Loss of skills at any ageUrgent referralRegression is NEVER normal. Neurology evaluation.
pediatricdevelopmentmilestonesinfanttoddlerscreening
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