Resource
Developmental Milestones
An educational overview of typical developmental milestones from infancy to the teenage years.
Children develop at different paces. Milestones are useful reference points, not strict targets — a single "late" milestone is usually not a concern on its own. Patterns across time or across several areas of development are more meaningful. These bands are educational and non-diagnostic. Send an enquiry if several observations concern you.
By around 12 months
Communication
- Turns to sounds and to their name.
- Uses babbling that varies in tone.
- Shares attention (looking, pointing) with a familiar adult.
Movement
- Sits without support.
- Pulls to stand with furniture.
- Uses hands to explore, transfer and pick up small objects.
Play & social
- Enjoys back-and-forth games (peek-a-boo).
- Recognises familiar faces and shows preferences.
By around 2 years
Communication
- Uses many single words and starts combining two words.
- Follows simple directions.
- Points to name familiar objects and pictures.
Movement
- Walks well and starts running.
- Uses spoon and cup.
- Stacks a small tower of blocks.
Play & social
- Copies actions from adults.
- Shows early pretend play.
- Notices other children.
By around 3 years
Communication
- Uses short sentences familiar adults mostly understand.
- Follows two-step directions.
- Asks simple questions.
Movement
- Runs, climbs and pedals a tricycle.
- Feeds themselves with growing skill.
- Starts to dress with help.
Play & social
- Enjoys pretend and imaginative play.
- Plays alongside and briefly with other children.
- Manages simple turn-taking with support.
By around 4–5 years
Communication
- Speaks in fuller sentences most people understand.
- Tells short stories about events.
- Answers 'why' and 'how' questions.
Learning
- Recognises many letters and some sight words.
- Counts small groups and understands 'more' and 'fewer'.
- Enjoys books being read to them.
Play & social
- Plays cooperatively with other children.
- Manages small frustrations with support.
- Follows classroom routines with prompts.
Primary years (6–11)
Learning
- Reads for meaning with growing fluency.
- Writes short paragraphs and follows written directions.
- Applies number skills to problems.
Social & emotional
- Maintains friendships and manages disagreements.
- Talks about feelings in age-appropriate ways.
- Handles routines and homework with some independence.
Teenage years
Learning
- Manages longer-term projects and study.
- Reads and writes across subjects with independence.
- Reflects on their own thinking and progress.
Social & emotional
- Navigates changing friendships.
- Develops a growing sense of identity.
- Balances school, activities and rest.
Common questions
- My child is behind on one milestone — should I worry?
- Ordinary variation is wide. A single delay is usually not enough to draw conclusions. A pattern of concerns, or concerns across areas, is more meaningful.
- Are these milestones the same worldwide?
- The general sequence is similar, but exact ages and cultural expectations vary. These bands are approximate guides, not strict targets.
- When should I send an enquiry?
- When several observations concern you, when a teacher or clinician suggests a review, or when your parental sense is that something more is going on.
This educational guide is not a diagnosis, medical assessment, emergency service or substitute for consultation with a qualified professional. Appointment requests are reviewed and arranged manually by the clinic team.
Ready to take the next step?
Appointment requests are reviewed and arranged manually by the clinic team. Submitting an enquiry does not confirm an appointment.