Knowing whether your child’s behavior is developmentally appropriate can help you determine whether to discuss any concerns with your pediatrician. The following is a list of a social and emotional developmental milestones by age:
Birth To 6 Months
- Demonstrates excitement by kicking, wiggling, or waving arms
- Fearful of loud or unexpected noises, sudden movements, strange objects, and pain
- Enjoys interacting with others and being held
- Smiles socially and laughs out loud
- Plays peek-a-boo
- Enjoys looking at self in the mirror
- Responds to other’s emotions
6 Months to 1 Year
- Becomes upset when the primary caregiver leaves
- Withdraws from strangers
- Starts to imitate the behavior of others
- Pushes, pulls, or pokes other children
- Reacts to losing a toy
1 Year to 2 Years
- Tries to get the attention of adults they are comfortable with
- Begins to develop trust in those they are familiar with
- Has temper tantrums
- Is generally happy, but may become upset when they are interrupted in an activity
- May become frustrated when unable to verbalize their thoughts and desires
- Can be possessive of their toys and enjoy playing alone
2 to 3 Years
- Begins to develop independence
- Likes to be praised
- Tests parental limits
- Attempts to help adults with tasks
- Plays with objects symbolically (i.e., imaginative play)
3 to 4 Years
- Seeks to please adults
- May become upset when their routine is affected
- Begins to enjoy playing in groups
- Shows an increased interest in others
- Shares and takes turns with prompting
- May act out scenes from movies
Reference:
Autism Speaks. (2019). 100 day kit: For new diagnosed families of young children. Autism Speaks Inc.