Referral checklist for 18 month olds / Talking Matters, Adelaide, South Australia

Listening and Understanding

I understand simple instructions like "give it to me" "sit down" "come here"
I can point to pictures of familiar things in a book e.g. "Show me the cow"
I can show you a few body parts e.g. "eyes, nose, mouth, head"
I understand about 50 everyday words e.g. "spoon, cup, dog, mum"

Speaking

I can use between 5 and 20 words meaningfully even if not pronounced correctly
I will take turns playing simple games like "peek-a-boo"
I will ask for more using my words or actions
I will copy simple words e.g. "mama, dad, hi, by, no"
I will say "no" and shake my head

Play and Social Skills

I will try and show or tell people things until they understand me
I will point at things I want to do and look at people to help me get what I want
I can play with toys in different and imaginative ways e.g. use a box for hiding in, or banging on
I like to pretend to do things I see others doing e.g. talk on the phone, stir a cup of tea

Motor Skill Development

I stand and walk well alone for short distances
I can bend or crouch to pick up an object
I can stack 2 to 3 blocks into a tower
I can scribble with a pencil on paper

Daily Living Skills

I cope with nappy changes, bathing and grooming by my carer
I assist with pushing arms and legs in to clothes
I will try and help with face and hand washing
I am able to drink from a sippy cup and feed myself with a spoon

Our Recommendation

If your child has not developed all of the skills in the checklists above, or you have checked any boxes in the causes for concern section, an assessment by an appropriate therapist is recommended. We can assist you in identifying where to start. For assistance please complete the information below and our office staff will contact you to guide you through the process and organise appointments for you (or call our office on (08) 8255 7137). No doctor's referral is needed.

Causes For Concern

Severe and/or recurrent ear infections or reduced response to their name or sounds
Lack of pointing or trying to use sounds to communicate
Reduced eye contact when being spoken to or lack of desire to engage with others
No clear words

Our Recommendation

You have indicated a Cause for Concern in this checklist, and therefore a referral is recommended. Please complete the form below and our office staff will get in touch and guide you through the process (or call our the Talking Matters office on (08) 8255 7137). No doctor's referral is needed.

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Referral checklist for 18 month olds

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