Is my child on track?
Every child grows at their own pace. These are common signs that Occupational Therapy or Speech Pathology could help. If something sounds familiar, or you just have a gut feeling, it's worth a chat.
Talking milestones
A rough guide to what most children are doing by each age.
Babbling, using gestures like pointing and waving, and may say a first word.
Using around 50 words and starting to join two words, like “more milk”.
Speaking in short sentences. Familiar people understand most of what they say.
Strangers understand them most of the time, and they can tell a simple story.
Signs to look out for
Understanding
- Doesn't respond to their name or simple words
- Finds it hard to follow instructions
- Struggles to answer simple questions
Talking & speech sounds
- Says fewer words than other children their age
- Hard for others to understand
- Gets frustrated when they aren't understood
Stuttering
- Repeats sounds or words (“I-I-I want”)
- Stretches sounds or gets stuck on words
- Shows tension or avoids talking
Social & play
- Finds back-and-forth conversation hard
- Has trouble taking turns or joining in play
- Rarely shares attention, like showing you a toy
Reading & writing
- Struggles with rhyming or letter sounds
- Falls behind with reading or spelling
- Avoids reading and writing tasks
Eating & drinking
- Gags, coughs or chokes often at meals
- Has trouble chewing or moving to new textures
- Eats a very limited range of foods
Signs to look out for
OT helps children with the everyday “jobs” of childhood: playing, learning, getting dressed and managing big feelings.
Hands & fine motor
- Finds it hard to hold a pencil, crayon or scissors
- Avoids drawing, colouring or puzzles
- Handwriting is hard to read or tires them quickly
Movement & coordination
- Seems clumsy, trips or bumps into things often
- Finds running, jumping, catching or climbing hard
- Slumps or struggles to sit still at a table
Senses
- Very upset by noise, clothing tags, haircuts or messy hands
- Constantly seeks movement, crashing, spinning or chewing
- Is very fussy about food textures
Everyday self-care
- Needs a lot of help getting dressed for their age
- Has trouble with buttons, zips or shoelaces
- Finds using cutlery or toileting hard
Feelings & behaviour
- Has big meltdowns and is hard to calm
- Struggles with changes to routine or moving between activities
- Finds it hard to focus or wait
Play & school
- Finds it hard to play with other children
- Struggles to start, organise or finish tasks
- Their teacher has concerns about school readiness
When to act sooner
If your child loses skills they used to have, at any age, speak with your GP as soon as you can.
Not sure? Let's chat.
A quick call can help you work out the next step. No referral needed.
This page is a general guide only and isn't a diagnosis. Every child is different.