2025 – PAGE 189 – DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES & ANTICIPATORY GUIDANCE
SURVEILLANCE MILESTONES – 15 MONTHS OF AGE
| AGE | LANGUAGE &
COMMUNICATION |
MOVEMENT & PHYSICAL | COGNITIVE | SOCIAL &
EMOTIONAL |
| 15 mo
“taxes” |
Says 1-2 words besides “mama” and “dada”; looks at things when you name them; follows commands with both words AND gestures; points at something they want or for help | Takes first few independent steps; can feed themselves some finger foods | Tries to use objects correctly (like a cell phone or book); can stack at least 2 blocks | Copies other kids when playing; shows you objects they like; claps with excitement; hugs stuffed animals; shows affection with hugging, kissing, or cuddling |
MNEMONIC STORY: The peg for 15 is PAYCHECK or TAX DAY on April 15th. Imagine an IRS tax agent TAKING A FEW STEPS BY HIMSELF into your home. He is CLAPPING EXCITEDLY and SHOWS YOU his new cell phone before TRYING TO USE IT CORRECTLY to look up your information. Suddenly, you hear his stomach growl, and he POINTS AT WHAT HE WANTS. Before you can even react, he just starts helping himself to some of your FINGER FOODS and takes a drink from your coffee cup. He even removes your two BLOCKS of sugar from the coffee because it’s too sweet, and then he STACKS ONE ON TOP OF THE OTHER. After snapping out of the initial shock at his audacity, you furiously OPEN THE DOOR WHILE SCREAMING the words “get out” AND GESTURING by POINTING outside! But, he looks at you and finally speaks 2 words: TAX DAY!
* NOTES: Opening the door while gesturing and screaming “get out” refers to knowing commands with both words and gestures. “TAX DAY” refers to the ability to say 1-2 words other than “mama” and “dada.”
15-MONTH-OLD MILESTONES TO KEEP ON YOUR RADAR
| AGE | LANGUAGE | GROSS MOTOR | FINE MOTOR | COGNITIVE | SOCIAL | RED FLAGS |
| 15 mo | Gives and takes an object; stoops and recovers; crawls up stairs | Scribbles a vertical line (15–18 mos.) | Can point to at least ONE body part |