Toddlers reach milestones at different ages, which can lead parents to wonder whether their child's development is normal. Although most toddlers eventually reach milestones at the right ages---some on the early side and some on the later---failing to achieve certain milestones can point to developmental delays that merit a trip to the doctor for advice and treatment.
Significance
Doctors diagnose developmental delays when toddlers fail to reach critical milestones by specific times. The University of Michigan Health System notes that these delays can include language, gross or fine motor, social or cognitive skills. Catching and treating these delays as early as possible can often allow your child to receive the treatment he needs to "catch up" with his peers. Developmental delays can have a number of causes, from genetic conditions to hearing impairment. They can also result from a serious illness or accident.
Milestones at 2
Although most parents catch major milestones, like walking, it can be more difficult to catch more subtle developmental milestones involving fine motor skills or language. By 2 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests your child should use simple phrases and follow basic instructions. She should scribble and build a tower of four or more blocks. She will be increasingly interested in the company of other children and will often imitate the actions of adults or older children.
Milestones at 3 to 4
The growth of your child's imagination is one of the characteristics of this age range. Your toddler will often speak in sentences of five or six words and speak clearly enough for strangers to understand his speech. He might know the names of basic colors and understand the concept of counting. He can use scissors and copy square shapes and some capital letters. He might talk about "monsters" or invent an imaginary playmate. His play increasingly centers on fantasy and he might have a hard time differentiating fantasy from reality.
Considerations
Doctors do not consider a child who temporarily lags behind his peers in one area or another--such as speech or language development--as delayed. The University of Michigan Health System emphasizes that a developmental delay is "an ongoing major or minor delay in the process of development." Your pediatrician will probably refer you to a specialist who can screen your child to discern whether she suffers from a temporary lag or a true developmental delay.
Potential
If your doctor refers you to a specialist for your child's delay, the specialist will evaluate your child to identify the cause of the delay. He will then help establish a plan for the treatment of the delay, sometimes involving a speech pathologist or occupational therapist if the delay involves your child's language or motor skills.
