Watching your child grow is one of the most exciting parts of parenting. From those first smiles to first words, every milestone feels meaningful. But it’s also normal for parents to wonder whether their child is hitting developmental milestones “on time” and what to do if something seems delayed.
If you live in Barrington, Illinois or the surrounding communities, you’re not alone. Many local families turn to Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education for guidance when they have questions about their child’s communication, social, or behavioral development.
This guide walks you through the major developmental milestones, when to monitor progress more closely, and how to access free developmental screening tools right here in Barrington.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are skills most children can do by a certain age. They fall into four main areas:
- Social and emotional skills
- Communication and language
- Cognitive and problem-solving abilities
- Motor skills (fine motor and gross motor)
Every child reaches milestones at their own pace, but consistent delays across multiple areas may signal that a child could benefit from further screening or evaluation.
Key Developmental Milestones by Age
These milestones provide a general timeline for what many children are doing during the early years.
Milestones By 12 Months
Most children will:
- Respond to their name
- Say simple words like “mama” or “dada”
- Point to objects of interest
- Show affection to familiar adults
- Pull up to stand
Milestones By 18 Months
Most children will:
- Use several single words
- Show interest in other children
- Follow simple instructions
- Engage in pretend play
- Walk independently
Milestones By 2 Years
Most children will:
- Use two-word phrases (“more juice,” “my toy”)
- Show growing independence
- Point to body parts when asked
- Begin simple problem-solving
- Run, climb, and explore surroundings
Milestones By 3 Years
Most children:
- Carry on simple conversations
- Imitate adults and other children
- Play cooperatively
- Follow two-step directions
- Build towers or complete simple puzzles
Milestones for Ages 4 and 5
Because many developmental concerns—especially communication and social differences—become more noticeable during the preschool years, it’s important to monitor milestones beyond age 3. These ages also align with the CAST screener (ages 3–6).
Milestones By 4 Years
Most children will:
- Speak clearly enough for strangers to understand
- Use full sentences of 4–5 words
- Cooperate with peers and take turns
- Ask “why” and “how” questions
- Pretend to be characters (teacher, doctor, superhero)
- Follow multi-step instructions
- Draw simple people with 2–4 body parts
- Hop or stand on one foot for a few seconds
Red flags at this age may include:
- Limited conversational speech
- Difficulty playing with peers
- Strong resistance to changes in routine
- Very restricted interests
- Trouble following instructions
Milestones By 5 Years
Most children will:
- Carry on simple back-and-forth conversations
- Tell stories with a beginning, middle, and end
- Understand basic time concepts (yesterday, today, tomorrow)
- Form friendships and enjoy group play
- Recognize some letters, numbers, or sight words
- Follow classroom routines
- Skip, balance, and climb with confidence
Red flags at this age may include:
- Very limited social interaction
- Difficulty engaging in group play or cooperative activities
- Sensory challenges interfering with daily routines
- Frequent emotional outbursts beyond typical frustration
- Trouble following multi-step instructions
When Should Barrington Parents Seek a Developmental Screening?
Not all delays indicate autism or a developmental disorder, but some signs are important to monitor.
Parents often seek screening when they notice:
- Delayed speech
- Limited social engagement
- Sensory sensitivities
- Repetitive movements
- Difficulty communicating needs
- Loss of previously learned skills
If any of these sound familiar, a developmental screening can provide clarity and direction.
Free Developmental Screenings for Barrington Families
At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education’s Barrington center, we offer two research-backed screening tools at no cost:
M-CHAT (ages 16–30 months)
Screens for early signs of autism and developmental differences in toddlers.
CAST (ages 3–6 years)
Screens for social and communication differences in preschool and early elementary-aged children.
These screenings are:
- Quick
- Parent-friendly
- Evidence-based
- A helpful first step before pursuing a full evaluation
Your results give you a clearer understanding of your child’s development and whether additional assessment is recommended.
Why Early Screening Matters
Identifying developmental differences early can help:
- Reduce delays in receiving services
- Provide clarity during uncertain times
- Support children with early intervention
- Improve long-term communication and learning outcomes
- Prevent months of worry or guesswork
Why Barrington Families Choose Cultivate
If a screening indicates developmental concerns, our team at Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education is here to guide you through each next step. We help families understand their child’s results, connect them with trusted diagnosticians, review insurance requirements, and begin ABA therapy if a diagnosis is confirmed. Throughout this process, we provide ongoing parent guidance and support to ensure you feel informed, confident, and supported. If you’re wondering whether your child is meeting developmental milestones or simply want reassurance, we’re here to help. Contact us today! Your family will never navigate this journey alone.
Families in Barrington trust Cultivate because we offer free developmental and autism screening tools, compassionate and family-centered care, and step-by-step guidance throughout the diagnostic process. Our team provides evidence-based ABA therapy and local support that feels personal, responsive, and rooted in the needs of our community.
