Menu Close

18-24 Month Developmental Milestones

Previous
12-18 Month Developmental Milestones
Next
24-36 Month Developmental Milestones

Movement and physical development

Normal development

  • Stands on tiptoe
  • Kicks a ball
  • Begins to run
  • Climbs onto and down from furniture without help
  • Walks up and down stairs
  • Throws ball overhand
  • Makes or copies straight lines and circles (mastering circles is closer to 30 months)
  • Builds towers of 4 or more blocks
  • Might use 1 hand more than the other

Possible challenges from treatment

  • May regress from previously mastered skills

Ways to help

  • Make physical activity more fun by using balls and toys
  • Encourage your child to be more active by having a playmate on the floor
  • Allow your child to do things independently even if it takes longer. For example, let them feed themselves with a spoon
 

Language and communication

Normal development

  • Points to things or pictures when they are named
  • Knows names of familiar people and body parts
  • Produces environmental sounds such as “vroom” and “beep”
  • Follows simple instructions
  • Repeats words overheard in conversation
  • Points to things in a book

Possible challenges from treatment

  • May not talk as much as before diagnosis
  • Maybe be slow to respond due to stranger anxiety
  • Hearing problems may be possible in some cases.

Ways to help

  • Talk to or sing to your child throughout the day
  • Read to your child. Children especially like rhyming books and repetition
  • Use a lot of different words, not just words they already know
  • Follow directions for proper hearing aid use if prescribed.

Social and emotional

Normal development

  • Copies others, especially adults and older children
  • Gets excited when with other children
  • Shows more and more independence
  • Shows defiant behavior (doing what he has been told not to)
  • Plays beside other children, but is beginning to include other children, such as in chase games

Possible challenges from treatment

  • May have more tantrums and say “no” more often
  • Separation from caregivers during medical procedures can be especially challenging
  • Few choices limit independence and control

Ways to help

  • Provide choices when possible
  • Ask to be included in procedures with education on comfort positions
  • Encourage participation in group activities
  • Try to follow a loose schedule when possible
  • Use positive language to set an expectation
  • Talk about each person on the medical team and how they are there to help them
 

Thinking and learning

Normal development

  • Finds things even when hidden under 2 or 3 covers
  • Begins to sort shapes and colors
  • Completes sentences and rhymes in familiar books
  • Plays simple make-believe games
  • Follows 2-step instructions such as “Pick up your shoes and put them in the closet.” 
  • Names items in a picture book such as a cat, bird, or dog

Possible challenges from treatment

  • May have more difficulty understanding/following directions
  • Fewer opportunities to explore the environment

Ways to help

  • Provide a variety of toys and ordinary objects to foster independence and cognitive development
  • Sing songs that help children learn parts of their bodies
  • Encourage your child to explore new sensory experiences
  • Your child learns by trying new things. Allow him or her to make mistakes
  • Encourage play activities that involve art, music, movement, books, and pretending
  • Limit screen time (TV and tablet)
Previous
12-18 Month Developmental Milestones
Next
24-36 Month Developmental Milestones

Related Content

  • Child Life and Learning Through Play

    Child life specialists can help children and teens living with serious illnesses cope with challenges. Read on to learn more about child life specialists.

  • Early childhood development

    Treatment for a serious childhood disease may delay when children reach certain milestones. Learn more about early childhood development.

  • For parents and caregivers

    Caring for a child with a serious disease can be challenging. Find resources to support physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.