Red flags in Development : 2-3 years
SNIPPETSDEVELOPMENTRED FLAGS
Dr Praful Gowda
2 min read
The age of 2 to 3 years is often called the “language explosion” phase. Toddlers at this stage begin to speak in sentences, follow simple instructions, play with others, and express a wide range of emotions. Their curiosity and imagination grow rapidly.
But what if your child isn’t speaking clearly, doesn’t play with peers, or doesn’t respond when called? These could be signs of developmental delay—and early recognition can make a critical difference.
This article highlights the important red flags between 24–36 months, explains what they could mean, and outlines what steps to take next.
What to Expect by 3 Years
By age 3, most children have made significant progress across motor, language, social, and thinking skills. Here's what typical development may look like:
Motor
Runs easily, climbs well
Kicks a ball, throws overhand
Pedals a tricycle
Builds a tower of 6 blocks or more
Can draw simple strokes (circle, vertical line)
Language
Uses 2–4 word sentences
Speaks clearly enough for familiar people to understand
Asks simple questions (“What’s that?”, “Where go?”)
Names common objects and people
Follows 2-step instructions
Social & Emotional
Imitates adults and friends
Shows affection to familiar people
Plays simple pretend games
Takes turns in games (with some guidance)
Shows concern when others are upset
Cognitive
Can match colors or shapes
Completes simple puzzles
Understands the concept of “two”
Engages in pretend or imaginative play
Understands cause and effect (e.g., press button = music)
Red Flags: Signs That Warrant Concern
Look out for these warning signs between ages 2 and 3:
By 30 Months:
Doesn’t use 2-word phrases (e.g., “want juice”, “go car”)
Cannot follow simple instructions
Does not imitate actions or words
Seems uninterested in other children
Cannot walk steadily
By 36 Months:
Doesn’t speak in short sentences
Speech is mostly unclear to others
Rarely makes eye contact or shows social interest
Doesn’t pretend play (e.g., feeding a doll)
Doesn’t follow 2-step instructions
Doesn’t respond to name or basic questions
Has frequent, extreme tantrums or shows rigid play patterns
Loses previously acquired skills
If your child has several of these signs, especially across multiple domains (language, motor, social), it’s time to seek professional input.
What Should Parents Do?
Don’t assume it’s just a speech delay—delays in language + social interaction can suggest broader issues.
Ask your pediatrician for a full developmental evaluation.
Request a speech and language assessment.
Consider screening for autism, especially if there are signs like lack of pretend play, poor eye contact, or repetitive behavior.
Engage in play-based therapy and home routines that promote interaction.
What Could These Signs Mean?
Some possible conditions that may present between 2–3 years include:
Speech or language delay
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Global Developmental Delay
Hearing impairment
Social communication disorder
Neglect or low-stimulation environments
Remember: Early therapy—even before a diagnosis is finalized—can significantly improve your child’s communication and social outcomes.
What’s the Next Step?
Document concerns—note what your child can and cannot do.
Schedule a pediatric consultation.
Follow through with referrals to speech therapy, audiology, or developmental assessment.
Start interactive play-based learning at home—books, pretend play, singing, naming objects.