Milestones at 15 months
The 15-month checklist was added in the 2022 revision. It is where first words beyond "mama" and "dada" appear, along with pointing to ask for something and following a direction that comes with a gesture. Taking a few steps alone is listed here. Many items are social: showing you an object, clapping when excited and copying other children.
CDC's 15-month checklist lists 13 milestones: 5 social and emotional, 4 language and communication, 2 cognitive and 2 movement and physical development. The largest group at this age is social and emotional, with 5 items. Each one is something most children (75% or more) can do by 15 months, so many children do it earlier.
No standardized screening is routinely scheduled at the 15-month visit, but you can ask for one at any visit if you have a concern. The checkpoint before this one is 12 months, with 10 milestones. The next is 18 months, with 15. For a baby born before 37 weeks, compare with the checklist for the corrected age until 2.
No standardized screening is routinely scheduled at 15 months; ask for one if you have a concern. At the next checkpoint (18 months): general developmental screening with a standardized, validated tool and autism screening.
Screening ages: AAP, via CDCSocial and emotional5 items
“Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Shows you an object she likes”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Claps when excited”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Hugs stuffed doll or other toy”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Language and communication4 items
“Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Looks at a familiar object when you name it”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.””
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Points to ask for something or to get help”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)2 items
“Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Movement and physical development2 items
“Takes a few steps on his own”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Uses fingers to feed herself some food”
Most children (75%+) by 15 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Checklist items quoted from CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” milestones for 15 months (Source: CDC). “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” materials are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools.
If something is “not yet”
“You know your child best. Don’t wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child’s doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.”
Source: CDC, milestone checklist for 15 months
- Write down the items you answered “Not yet” or “Not sure”, with an example of what you see at home.
- Bring the list to your child’s doctor and ask whether a developmental screening is a good next step.
- Under 3? Call your state’s early intervention program and ask for a free evaluation. You don’t need a referral.
- 3 or older? Call your local public elementary school and ask for a preschool special education evaluation.