Infant/Toddler Motor Development Red Flags

The following are indicators that further screening and assessment may be needed. At all ages, any loss of previous skills, lack of eye contact, or favoring of one hand or side of the body should be evaluated. Professional screening and assessment may be indicated if a child…

By 12 months:

• Is abnormally stiff or floppy in muscle tone and joints
• Maintains unusual creeping or crawling positions
• Is still grasping with the fist instead of using a pincer grasp
• Can’t feed self with fingers or spoon
• Can’t seat self in chair

By 15 months:

• Can’t walk or stand with adult assistance
• Can’t drink from an open cup (if they have had opportunities for practice)
• Can’t take off simple clothes (like socks)
• Demonstrates persistent hand flapping, head banging, or rocking
• Can’t push a wheeled toy
• Can’t stoop to pick up a toy

By 18 months:

• Can’t walk alone or demonstrates persistent toe-walking or toeing in (“pigeon-toed”)
• Can’t walk backward
• Falls or trips frequently and without cause
• Doesn’t point or use gestures (like waving)
• Doesn’t scribble

By 24 months:

• Can’t kick or throw a large ball forward (without falling)
• Can’t assist with dressing
• Doesn’t wash own face and hands
• Can’t draw a vertical line (in imitation)
• Can’t stack six large blocks
• Has shaky or jerky movements
• Can’t balance on one foot (for a few moments)
• Can’t jump in place (with both feet off the floor)

By 30 months:

• Can’t snip with scissors