Not every child who lags behind in some area is a “special needs” child. Every child develops differently and at a different rate than his or her peers. But it is important to know, as parents, what could be a developmental “red flag.”

Following are possible early childhood concerns to discuss with your child’s pediatrician:

By 6 months of age:

• not smiling in response to others
• not rolling from back to stomach

By 12 months of age:

• not imitating simple sounds
• not able to sit on own
• not crawling or creeping on ground

By 18 months of age:

• not trying to talk, repeat words, or play games
• not showing happy or sad emotions

By 24 months of age:

• not scribbling on paper
• not able to understand simple directions
• not helping with simple household tasks

By 33 months of age:

• not completing a simple shape puzzle
• not using words to request wants and needs
• not insisting on doing things independently

Visit here for complete list of age-appropriate milestones and possible concerns.