What are the signs of a developmental delay in toddlers?

Signs of developmental delay in toddlers can appear across several key areas, including significant delays in communication (e.g., not using single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months), motor skills (e.g., not walking by 18 months), social-emotional interactions, and cognitive abilities. These delays mean a child is not reaching typical milestones at the same rate as their peers.

If you observe persistent concerns about your toddler's development, trust your instincts and consult your family doctor or pediatrician. They can conduct developmental testing, often recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society during routine checkups, to compare your child's abilities with age-appropriate milestones. Early identification and intervention are crucial for the best possible outcomes, as support services in the earliest years can significantly impact a child's long-term success. In British Columbia, resources like Public Health Units and the Early Intervention Therapy (EIT) Program offer assessments and support services for children from birth to school entry who have or are at risk of developmental delays.