When to Refer a Child for Early Intervention Services

Red flags for immediate referral

• No babbling, pointing or other gestures by 12 months (1 year).
• No single words by 16 months.
• No two-word phrases by 24 months (2 years).
• ANY loss of skills at any age.
• Diagnosed physical, cognitive or mental health condition or disorder that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay, regardless of whether the child has a demonstrated need or delay.
• Delays in meeting developmental milestones such as not walking by 18 months.
• Lack of eye contact.
• Poor balance, clumsiness or weakness.
• Atypical muscle tone, such as too tight or too floppy in arms, legs or trunk.
• Speech is hard to understand for the child’s age or compared to other children who are the same age.
• Poor attention span compared to other children who are the same age.
• Behavioral concerns compared to other children who are the same age.
• Vision or hearing problems.
• High lead levels.