Pediatric Therapy Services

Development Milestones

This page outlines the developmental milestones or age appropriate skills for children to demonstrate at different ages.

Select your child's age and use the checklists to see if they are meeting their milestones, or if they would benefit from an evaluation from one of our pediatric therapists! Click here for the necessary paperwork!

02 Months

02 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Startles to loud noises

Quiets, smiles, or coos when spoken to

Seems to recognize your voice

Increases or decreases sucking behavior in response to sound

Looks intently for 2 or more seconds

Talking

Makes pleasure and displeasure sounds (cooing)

Cries differently for different needs

Smiles when sees you or spoken to

Has suck/swallow reflex

Makes throaty/gurgling sounds

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Follows toys continuously with eyes from left to right (180 degrees) when on back

Is easily soothed when crying or upset (if child is not injured, hungry, or needs a diaper change)

Shows awareness of hands when holding rattle

Enjoys being held and cuddled, swung, swaddled

Looks from one object to another

Startles at loud noises but is calmed or soothed easily

Brings hands to mouth

Responds to social interaction by smiling

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Turns from sidelying to back by turning head

Brings hands to mouth when on back and lying on side

Lifts head and turns to left and right when on tummy

If there are more than 2 tasks in an area (Speech, Occupational, and/or Physical Therapy) that CANNOT be marked off, your child may benefit from our services. Fill out the form below to get started!

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

03 Months

03 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Moves eyes/turns head in direction of sounds

Responds to changes in tone of your voice

Startles to loud noises

Quiets, smiles, or coos when spoken to

Recognizes your voice

Looks intently for 2 or more seconds

Increases or decreases sucking behavior in response to sound

Pays attention to music

Mouths objects

Talking

Babbling sounds including p, b, and m

Chuckles and laughs

Vocalizes excitement and displeasure

Makes noise when playing and when left alone

Smiles when sees you or when spoken to

Has suck/swallow reflex

Uses different pitch, length, and volume

Vocalizes and moves legs when spoken to

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Tries to reach for object but cannot grasp

Holds rattle momentarily when placed in hand

Brings hands/objects to mouth

Follows objects with eyes while sitting supported

Enjoys social play

Socializes and engages with anyone (stranger or parent)

Vocalizes in response to adult talk and smile

Is easily soothed when crying or upset (if not injured, hungry, or needing diaper change)

Enjoys being held and cuddled, swung, swaddled

Startles at loud noises but is calmed or soothed easily

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Holds head at midline while on back

Lifts head and upper body while holding weight on forearms when on tummy

Glances at toy placed in hand when on back

Holds hands open or loosely closed when on back

Brings hands together when lying on back

Able to see with downward gaze when on back or in supported sitting (chin tucking)

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

04 Months

04 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Moves eyes/turns head in direction of sounds

Responds to changes in tone of your voice

Startles to loud noises

Quiets, smiles, or coos when spoken to

Recognizes your voice

Looks intently for 2 or more seconds

Increases or decreases sucking behavior in response to sound

Pays attention to music

Mouths objects

Turns head to locate source of sound

Talking

Babbling sounds including p, b, and m

Chuckles and laughs

Vocalizes excitement and displeasure

Makes noise when playing and when left alone

Smiles when sees you or when spoken to

Has suck/swallow reflex

Uses different pitch, length, and volume

Vocalizes and moves legs when spoken to

Makes pleasure and displeasure sounds (cooing)

Cries differently for different needs

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Brings both hands to toy at midline

Plays with their fingers

Reaches and grasps toy/block

Clasps hands together

Hands are open most of the time

Grasps objects with palm

Pats bottle during feeding

Recognizes parents

Repeats enjoyable activities

Is easily soothed when crying or upset (if child is not hungry or needing diaper change)

Enjoys being held and cuddled, swung, spun

Startles at loud noises but is calmed or soothed easily

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Rolls from back to side

Holds head steady and erect in supported positions

Plays while lying on side

Reaches with both hands to toy

Brings toys to mouth with both hands while lying on back

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

05 Months

5 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Moves eyes/turns head in direction of sounds

Responds to changes in tone of your voice

Startles to loud noises

Quiets, smiles, or coos when spoken to

Recognizes your voice

Looks intently for 2 seconds or more

Increases or decreases sucking behavior in response to sound

Pays attention to music

Mouths objects

Turns head to locate source of sound

Talking

Babbling sounds including p, b, and m

Chuckles and laughs

Vocalizes excitement and displeasure

Makes noise when playing and when left alone

Smiles when sees you or when spoken to

Has suck/swallow reflex

Uses different pitch, length, and volume

Vocalizes and moves legs when spoken to

Makes pleasure and displeasure sounds (cooing)

Cries differently for different needs

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Tranfers ojects from hand to hand

Holds 2 objects at a time (one in each hand)

Uses raking grasp (all fingers to palm to pick up small items)

Drops objects intentionally

Holds bottle independently

Displays stranger anxiety

Lifts arms to parents

Explores parents' facial features

Is easily soothed when crying or upset (if not injured, hungry, or needing diaper change)

Enjoys being held, cuddled, swung, spun

Startles at loud noises but is calmed or soothed easily

Enjoys bath time/water play

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Brings feet to hands and holds for 3 seconds when on back

Rolls from tummy to back

Extends both arms fully holding upper body off floor when on tummy

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

6-7 Months

6-7 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Enjoys games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake

Shakes and bangs objects in play

Stops playing and vocalizing when name is called

Anticipates what will happen next

Actively searches for source of sounds

Talking

Babbling has both long and short groups of sounds such as "tatata upup and bibibibibi"

Uses speech or non-crying sounds to get and hold attention

Protests by shaking head "no", pushes person or objects away

Uses 2 or more consonant sounds: b, g, d, etc.

Makes noises when left playing alone

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Reaches with one arm/hand at a time

Bangs objects/blocks on table

Follows objects with eyes WITHOUT head movement

Holds small objects between index/middle fingers and palm

Crawls on hands and knees - NOT scooting, army crawling, or any other variation of crawling***

Brings bottle to mouth with hands

Shows separation anxiety

Is easily soothed when crying or upset (if not injured, hungry, or needing a diaper change)

Enjoys being held and cuddles, swung, spun

Notices loud noises but is no longer startled by them

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Rolls from tummy to back

Rolls from back to tummy

Sits alone 5-10 seconds while placing hands forward on surface to support self

Crawls on hands and knees - NOT scooting, army crawling, or any other variation of crawling***

Brings feet to mouth when on back

While sitting, catches self forward when losing balance by extending arms forward and opening hands

Pushes entire chest off surface with extended arms when on tummy

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

8-9 Months

8-9 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Enjoys games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake

Responds to "no-no"

Listens when spoken to

Recognizes words for common items: shoe, cup, juice

Recognizes names of family members and pets

Begins to respond to requests: "Come here"

Talking

Babbling has both long and short groups of sounds such as "tatata upup and bibibibibi"

Uses speech or non-crying sounds to get and hold attention

Uses gestures: waving, holding arms up to be picked up

Participates in play activites

Communicates non-verbally using pushing-pulling

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Bangs blocks together

Sits independently while playing with toys

Voluntarily releases objects - drop block into cup

Takes cube out of container

Holds spoon

Points/probes with index finger

Grabs small objects with thumb and side of index finger

Finger feeds

Extends toys to show and share

Is easily soothed when crying or upset (if not hungry or needing diaper change)

Enjoys being held and cuddled, swung, spun

Notices loud noises but is no longer startled

Crawls on hands and knees - NOT scooting, army crawling, or any other variation of crawling***

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Rocks on all fours

Crawls using alternating arm and leg movement

Transitions from hands and knees to sitting by side sitting (legs in a W position indicates poor core strength)

Sits steadily and usupported for more than 1 minute

Catches self to side when losing balance by extending arm to side with open hand in sitting position

Stands while holding onto furniture with wide base of support

Crawls on hands and knees - NOT scooting, army crawling, or any other variation of crawling***

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

10-12 Months

10-12 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Enjoys games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake

Responds to "no-no"

Listens when spoken to

Recognizes words for common items: shoe, cup, juice

Recognizes names of family members and pets

Begins to respond to requests: "Come here"

Talking

Babbling has both long and short groups of sounds such as "tatata upup and bibibibibi"

Uses speech or non-crying sounds to get and hold attention

Uses gestures: waving, holding arms up to be picked up, "give me __'

Has one to three words around first birthday

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Clasps hands together well

Puts 3 or more objects into container

Stacks 2 blocks

Points with index finger

Uses only index finger and thumb to pick up small objects

Marks paper with crayon

Starting to bring spoon to mouth

Gives toy to familiar adult upon request

Shows toy preferences

Imitates clapping/waving

Is easily soothed when crying or upset (if not injured, hungry, or needing diaper change)

Enjoys being held and cuddled, swung, spun

Notices loud noises but no longer startled

Crawls on hands and knees - NOT scooting, army crawling, or any other variation of crawling***

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Pulls to standing at furniture by leading with one leg

Lowers self to sitting on floor from standing without falling

Stands alone 3-5 seconds

Walks four steps with one hand held

Walks along furniture (cruising)

Catches self backwards when losing balance by extending arm in backward direction with open hand

Flings tennis ball by straightening shoulder or elbow when standing

Rolls ball forward in sitting by using hand or arm

Crawls on hands and knees — NOT scooting, army crawling, or any other variation of crawling***

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

13-15 Months

13-15 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Points to a few body parts when asked

Follows single commands and understands simple questions: "roll the ball", "Where's your shoe"

Listens to simple stories, songs, and rhymes

Points to pictures in book when named

Identifies common objects: key, cup, ball, etc.

Demonstrates appropriate use of objects: spoon, blocks, ball, etc.

Talking

Vocalizes without leg movement

Uses many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words: b, m, n, p, d, t, f, etc.

Participates in play 1—2 minutes

Begins to name common objects: ball, cup, etc.

Begins to use familiar names: pets, siblings, etc.

Imitates "turn-taking" games

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Pulls toy on string behind while walking

Places many items in container without removing any

Grasps two objects in one hand

Stacks 3 blocks

Holds arms and legs out for dressing

Feeds self with spoon with some spillage

Removes both socks

Hugs and kisses parents

Is easily soothed when crying or upset (if child is not injured, hungry, or needs a diaper change)

Enjoys being held and cuddled, swung, swaddled

Startles at loud noises but is calmed or soothed easily

DID NOT skip crawling

Crawled on hands and knees - NOT scooting, army crawling, or any other variation of crawling***

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Stands alone well

Transfers to standing by using feet

DID NOT skip crawling

Crawled on hands and knees

Creeps ups stairs (3 steps)

Stoops to pick up toy from floor and return to standing without losing balance

Able to change direction while walking without losing balance

DOES NOT walk on tippy toes

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

16-18 Months

16-18 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Points to a few body parts when asked

Follows single commands and understands simple questions: "roll the ball", "Where's your shoe"

Listens to simple stories, songs, and rhymes

Points to pictures in book when named

Talking

Says more words each month

Uses some one to two word questions: "What's that? ", "Go bye—bye?"

Uses many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Uses both hands - one holds, other in play manipulates

Stacks 4-6 blocks

Imitates vertical stroke with crayon on paper

Grasps crayon with thumb and finger towards paper

Tantrums and outbursts are easily ended with parent attention or meeting the child's immediate needs

Removes shoes with laces untied

In safe situations, like daycare drop off, separation from parent may cause some distress but child can recover quickly

Puts toys away with assistance

Manipulates objects with intent

Does not present as easily frustrated

Uses gestures in play

Parallel play - plays alongside friends

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Climbs in adult chair and turns around to sit

Seats self in small chair

Pushes or pulls large toys around the room

Carries large toy while walking without losing balance

Does not W sit during floor play

Steps on or kicks into ball in attempt to imitate kicking

Walk backwards 5 steps while pulling toy on string

Does NOT walk on tippy toes

Did NOT skip crawling

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

19-21 Months

19-21 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Points to a few body parts when asked

Follows single commands and understands simple questions: "roll the ball", "Where's your shoe"

Listens to simple stories, songs, and rhymes

Points to pictures in book when named

Understands verbs: "the bear is thirsty. Give him something to drink"

Demonstrates use of objects: spoon, towl, ball, etc.

Talking

Says more words each month: 10 by 18 months, increasing to 50 by 24 months

Uses some one to two word questions: "What's that?", "Go bye-bye?"

Uses many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words

Can imitate words: doggie, cookie, bye-bye, etc.

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Imitates circular scribble

Strings 1 inch bead

Opens door by turning knob

Completes simple shape puzzles

Holds small cup in one hand

Helps with simple household tasks: puts things in trash

Participates in routine household/classroom routines with verbal cues only: getting dressed, sitting for circle time

Uses hands together to pull apart objects

Snip paper with scissors

Is easily soothed when crying or upset (if not hungry or hurt)

Enjoys being held and cuddled, swung, spun

Notices loud noises but no longer startled

DID NOT skip crawling

Crawled on hands and knees - NOT scooting, army crawling, or any other variation of crawling***

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Squats to play

Walks up and down stairs with one hand on rail placing both feet on one step before stepping onto next step

Kicks ball 3 feet without falling

DID NOT skip crawling

Does not W sit during floor play

Squats and returns to stand without falling

Running 10 feet without falling

Throws ball overhand

Moves "ride on" toy without pedals

Crawled on hands and knees - NOT scooting, army crawling, or any other variation of crawling***

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

22-24 Months

22-24 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Points to a few body parts when asked

Follows single commands and understands simple questions: "roll the ball", "Where's your shoe"

Listens to simple stories, songs, and rhymes

Points to pictures in book when named

Understands verbs: "the bear is thirsty. Give him something to drink"

Demonstrates use of objects: spoon, towl, ball, etc.

Talking

Says more words each month: 10 by 18 months, increasing to 50 by 24 months

Uses some one to two word questions: "What's that?", "Go bye-bye?"

Puts two words together

Uses many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words

Can imitate words: doggie, cookie, bye—bye, etc.

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Imitates vertical and horizontal stroke with crayon on paper

Imitates building 3 block designs

Snips with scissors

Holds crayon with thumb and fingertips

Washes hands

Periods of being upset are easily ended with parent attention or meeting the child's immediate need and don't escalate into outburst or tantrum

Holds spoon in fingers - palm up

Pulls pants down with assistance

Displays shyness in outside situations

Initiates own play, but needs supervision to carry out ideas

Dramatizes using a ball

In safe situations like daycare drop off, separation from parent may cause some distress but child recovers quickly

Intensity of emotional responses matches the event that caused the response

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Runs without falling

Walks up and down stairs 3 steps without holding rail

Throws tennis ball underhanded three feet

Jumps up two inches from floor with both feet

Jumps from bottom step, may lead with one foot

Throws tennis ball 3-5 feet in direction of target

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

30-35 Months

30 - 35 Months Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Understands differences in meaning of opposites (go vs. stop, in vs. on, big vs. little, up vs. down)

Follows two step requests ("get the book and put it on the table")

Listens to and enjoys hearing stories for longer periods of time

Identifies by pointing to clothing

Demonstrates understanding of action words +"ing" by pointing to corresponding picture: eating, sleeping, running

Understands pronouns: me, my, your

Understands use of objects: "Show me what you use to drink water"

Understands parts of whole: door on the car, etc.

Understands descriptive terms: "wet dog" 'big cup", etc.

Talking

Has a word for almost everything

Combines 3-4 words in a sentence

Speech is understood by familiar listeners most of the time

Asks "why?" and "Where?" questions

Uses different word combinations: noun + verb, noun + verb + object, noun + verb + adjective

Uses plurals

Answers "what" and "where" questions

Uses verb + "ing": walking, running, eating, etc.

Uses at least 10 pronouns, 10 modifiers, 10 verbs, 10 nouns etc.

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Completes inset puzzles independently

Builds 8 block tower

Cuts across a piece of paper

Imitates drawing a circle with no endpoint overlap

Dresses self with assistance

Plays interactive games

Insists on doing things independently

Handles changes in routines and transitions between activities without distress or outburst

Is easily soothed when crying or upset if not hungry or hurt

Enjoys being held and cuddled, swung, swaddled

DID NOT skip crawling

Participates in routine household/classroom routines with verbal cues only

In safe situations like daycare drop off, separation from parent may cause some distress but child recovers quickly

Intensity of emotional response matches the event that caused the response

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Imitates standing on 1 foot

Can walk on tiptoes while maintaining balance

Does NOT run or walk on tiptoes

Throws tennis ball overhand 7 feet

Jumps down 8-10 inches with both feet without losing balance

Does not W sit during floor play

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

3.5-4 Years

3.5 - 4 Years Form

Speech Therapy: understanding sounds and preparing for talking

Hearing and Understanding

Understands quantities: give me one; more; some; etc.

Understands pronouns: they, them, her, him, he, etc.

Understands negatives: show me the toys NOT in the basket

Identifies 6 primary colors

Makes inferences: Annie scraped her knees and elbows, how do you think she got hurt?

Identifies categories: "show me all the ---" (food, animals, clothes, etc.)

Understands "more" and "most"

Talking

Talks about activities from school or what happened during the day

People outside of the family understand child's speech

Answers who, what, when, where questions. Answers "why" questions logically

Uses pronouns (l, you, me, we, and they)

Uses 4 or more word sentences

Tells how an object is used

Can count 5 objects

Uses posessives: dog's food, boy's cat, etc.

Uses more descriptive words

Can answer abstract "what would you do?" questions

Occupational Therapy: Fine motor, self-help, play skills, sensory processing

Imitates drawing a cross

Puts together simple jigsaw puzzles

Cuts out simple shapes

Builds 9-10 block tower

Self- feeds with spoon

Puts on socks and shoes

Brushes own hair

Plays with other people

Shares toys

Stays in group during activities

Is easily soothed when crying or upset (if child is not injured, hungry, or needs a diaper change)

Enjoys being held and cuddled, swung, swaddled

Notices loud noises but does not startle

In safe situations like daycare drop off, separation from parent may cause some distress but child can recover quickly

Intensity of emotional responses match the event that caused the response

Physical Therapy: Gross motor skills

Jumps with 2-footed take off and landing

Walks up and down stairs, alternating feet, without holding rail

Pedals tricycle

Kicks ball 6 feet

Does NOT walk on tiptoes

Hops on 1 foot 3 consecutive hops

Makes sharp turns around corners while running

Avoids obstacles in path

Balances on 1 foot for 5 seconds

Catches ball with hands and arms extended

Climbs jungle gym and ladders

Does not W sit during floor play

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

Pediatric Therapy Services

Development Milestones

Phone Number

Email

Text Us

Address

Useful Links

Follow Us