What Are Some Social Milestones for Toddlers?

Autism Diagnosis & Screening | February 27, 2025

Supporting Your Child’s Social and Emotional Growth from 18 Months to 3 Years

Toddlers are busy little explorers, often moving from one exciting discovery to the next. During this period, their social skills typically take off in remarkable ways. As a parent, it’s natural to wonder if your child is on track, especially when it comes to toddler social development. In this article, we’ll explore some common social milestones for toddlers between 18 months and 3 years of age. We’ll also highlight early signs that may indicate a delay in early childhood development—such as possible early signs and symptoms of autism—and how early intervention can make a world of difference. Our goal is to provide reassurance, practical insights, and clear steps for seeking professional guidance when needed.

Toddler Eye Contact Development

One of the first social milestones for toddlers is the way they begin to use eye contact to connect. Around 18 months, many children will look to a parent or caregiver when they hear their name or want to share a moment of excitement. Gradually, they learn that locking eyes with someone communicates interest, affection, or a bid for attention.

What to expect in typical circumstances:

Occasional, purposeful eye contact during play or when showing you something.
Glances to check if you’re watching or reacting to them.

Potential signs of concern:

Consistently avoiding eye contact.
Lack of response when you call their name.

If you notice your child rarely seeks eye contact or consistently seems disconnected, it could be seen as a sign of one of the delayed social skills in toddlers. While each child is unique, we encourage you to talk with a pediatrician or seek an evaluation to understand your child’s needs better.

Parallel Play in Toddlers

Toddlers often begin engaging in parallel play around age two. This is when children play alongside each other but not necessarily with each other. It’s a typical and important stage in early childhood development. Parallel play helps them observe peers and learn new ways to interact and explore.

What to expect in typical circumstances:

Your child enjoys playing in the same space as other children yet also plays independently.
Watches peers and occasionally imitates their actions.

Potential signs of concern:

Persistent lack of interest in other children or in shared play experiences, even in a parallel setting.
Infrequent or absent attempts at imitation or engagement.

Although a child in this age range may not yet be ready for full-on cooperative play, showing curiosity about other children and occasionally joining them in small ways (like handing a toy back and forth) is a good indicator of typical toddler social development.

Emotional Expression and Empathy

Around ages two and three, toddlers begin showing more complex emotional expressions. They might offer a hug when you’re upset or feel distress when another child cries. This budding empathy is a cornerstone of toddler social development, revealing your child’s growing ability to understand and relate to others.

What to expect in typical circumstances:

Displays a range of emotions, from excitement to frustration, in more recognizable ways.
Offers simple comfort, like a pat on the back or a hug, to someone who is upset.
Begins to label emotions: “I sad,” “You happy,” or “He mad.”

Potential signs of concern:

Persistent difficulty in showing or understanding simple emotions.
Extreme responses that seem disconnected from the situation.

Remember, tantrums can be a normal part of toddlerhood as children learn to handle strong feelings. However, if emotional regulation feels especially challenging or absent, and if your child doesn’t appear to pick up on basic emotional cues, it may be time to consult a specialist.

Communication and Connection

Toddler communication milestones typically include a burst in vocabulary and a stronger ability to share ideas or needs, even if words aren’t always perfectly pronounced. You may notice your child pointing to objects, nodding or shaking their head, and using more complex gestures as they try to communicate.

What to expect in typical circumstances:

Gradual expansion of vocabulary, from single words to two- or three-word phrases.
Use of gestures, like pointing and waving, to complement verbal communication.
Attempts at turn-taking in simple “conversations,” even if it’s just babbling back and forth.

Potential signs of concern:

Limited or nonexistent use of gestures (pointing, nodding, waving) at others.
Lack of meaningful words by age two or regression in speech.

While some children may naturally hit these milestones a bit later, or in a different order, ongoing struggles in communication can be an early indicator of autism in toddlers. Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes, so if you’re concerned, reach out for professional support.

Recognizing Delays and Taking Action

Every child develops at their own pace. However, if you’ve noticed consistent challenges—such as limited eye contact, minimal interaction with peers (even in parallel play), or a significant gap in communication—these may point to delayed social skills in toddlers. Identification of autism early signs and symptoms allows families to access individualized diagnosis, support and therapies sooner, making the most of your child’s natural learning window.

At Caravel Autism Health, we specialize in evaluating social, communication, and behavioral skills in young children. Our approach is warm, caring, and tailored to each family’s needs. If a diagnosis of autism is made, our dedicated team works with you to create a personalized applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy plan designed to enhance your child’s social engagement, communication, and overall development.