Early Signs to Watch For
This guide is not a diagnostic tool. It is a reference to help you notice patterns — and to know when those patterns are worth discussing with your child's school or doctor.
Signs vary a lot by age. What's typical at 18 months may be a concern at 3. What seems like a delay at 3 may resolve by 5. The goal isn't to worry — it's to be informed.
Short version
Early intervention leads to better outcomes — trust your instincts.
Signs vary by age; what's typical at 2 may be a concern at 5.
Noticing signs doesn't mean your child has a disability — it means it's worth looking into.
You can request a free evaluation from your public school at any time.
Ages 1–2
These are signs worth noting, not diagnosing. If several apply, it's worth a conversation with your pediatrician.
- Not responding to their name by 12 months
- Not pointing to show interest in things by 14 months
- Not using any single words by 16 months
- Not using 2-word phrases by 24 months
- Losing language or social skills they previously had
- Not making eye contact consistently
- Seems unusually uninterested in other children or adults
Ages 2–3
At this age, speech and language are often the clearest indicators. Social development is also important to watch.
- Hard to understand by familiar adults (more than 50% of words should be clear at 2, 75% at 3)
- Not asking questions by age 3
- Doesn't play pretend or use imagination in play
- Significant tantrums or emotional regulation difficulties
- Repetitive behaviors that interfere with daily activities
- Very limited food preferences (texture or sensory-related)
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
- Not interested in playing with other children
Ages 3–5
By preschool age, differences in learning and attention often become more visible. These signs may show up in school settings for the first time.
- Significant trouble recognizing letters or numbers by age 5
- Difficulty following multi-step directions
- Trouble with fine motor skills (holding a pencil, using scissors)
- Very short attention span compared to same-age peers
- Difficulty understanding or following classroom rules and routines
- Strong emotional reactions that seem disproportionate
- Reluctance to go to school or frequent complaints about stomach aches or headaches before school
- Trouble making or keeping friends
- Persistent difficulty with speech sounds (still hard to understand at 4 or 5)
What to Do If You're Concerned
Talk to your pediatrician first
Your child's doctor is a good starting point. They can rule out medical causes, refer for speech or developmental evaluations, and help you decide whether to contact the school.
Contact your child's school or early intervention program
For children under 3, contact your state's Early Intervention program (free services through IDEA Part C). For children 3 and older, contact your local public school — even if your child doesn't attend that school yet.
Request an evaluation in writing
You don't need to wait for the school to bring it up. A written request starts the clock on the school's legal obligation to respond. Put the date on it. Send it via email.
Types of Support Available
If your child is evaluated and qualifies, several types of support may be available:
Special education instruction
Speech-language therapy
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Behavioral support
Developmental preschool programs
Specialized programs may include:
Early intervention (for children under 3)
Developmental preschool programs (ages 3–5)
Resource rooms or pull-out services
Self-contained special education classrooms
The type of support depends on the evaluation results. Services are provided in the least restrictive environment — meaning your child stays with peers as much as possible.
Parents Are Part of the Decision
Evaluations and services don't happen without your involvement. You have rights at every step.
You must give written consent before any evaluation begins. You are a member of the team that reviews results and decides next steps. You can disagree, request changes, or ask for more information at any point.
You must consent before any evaluation takes place.
You must be included in eligibility meetings.
You can request an independent evaluation if you disagree with the school's results.
You can request a meeting to discuss concerns at any time.
You have the right to see all evaluation reports.
Ready to take the next step?
Choose the option that fits where you are right now.
Take the Screener
A short questionnaire to help you think through what you're observing and what to do next.
Request an Evaluation
Use our letter generator to write a formal request for a special education evaluation.
Understand Your Child's IEP
Already have an IEP? Upload or paste it to get a plain-English meeting prep report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the school says my child doesn't qualify?
The school must give you written notice explaining why. You have the right to disagree and request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) at no cost to you.
What if I want an evaluation but the teacher says wait and see?
You can request an evaluation in writing regardless of what a teacher recommends. Your written request starts the official legal process.
Does my child have to be failing to get services?
No. A child doesn't have to be failing academically to qualify for services. What matters is whether the disability is affecting their ability to benefit from education.
What if my child is already getting help but it doesn't seem like enough?
You can request a special education evaluation at any time, even if informal supports are already in place. More support doesn't disqualify — it just means there's documentation.
General educational information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state.