Red Flags in Toddler Cognitive Development

Professional screening and assessment may be indicated if a child...

By 12 months:

• Doesn’t search for, or point at, hidden objects (no object permanence)
• Doesn’t notice changes in routine or environment

By 15-18 months:

• Doesn’t follow simple instructions
• Doesn’t use imitative actions or play (such as rocking a doll)
• Doesn’t know the use of common objects (such as a phone)

By 24 months:

• Can’t name an everyday object or familiar person when asked
• Doesn’t point at a specific object or person when they are named (the reverse of above)
• Can’t match familiar objects
• Can’t ask for things by name

By 27 months:

• Can’t sort two sets of objects