The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wants parents to know the value of measuring a child’s early social and emotional progress. The CDC’s awareness campaign, “Learn the Signs. Act Early,” offers warning signs of developmental disabilities.

“By recognizing the signs of developmental disabilities early, parents can seek effective treatments which can dramatically improve their child’s future,” says CDC director Dr. Julie Gerberding. An estimated 17 percent of U.S. children have a developmental or behavioral disability such as autism, mental retardation or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

“It’s important for parents to note when their child learns to smile, how often their child smiles, when their child starts to speak, when their child begins to play and how their child interacts with others. And if a parent notices anything that seems unusual, we want them to talk with their child’s doctor or healthcare provider,” adds Dr. José Cordero, director of the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.

Every child develops at his or her own pace, but most reach key milestones within a certain time range. The CDC offers an extensive list of milestones at www.cdc.gov/actearly. You can also request information by calling 800-232-4656.

End of 3 months

• Begins to develop a social smile.
• Watches faces intently.
• Begins to babble.

• Explores with hands and mouth.
• Responds to own name.
• Supports whole weight on legs.

• Shy or anxious with strangers.
• Imitates gestures.
• Says “dada” and “mama.”

• Imitates behavior of others.
• Begins to sort by shapes and colors.
• Repeats words overheard in conversation.

• Grasps the concepts of “mine” and “his/hers.”
• Expresses a wide range of emotions.
• Understands most sentences.

• Cooperates with other children.
• Speaks in sentences of five to six words.
• Throws a ball overhand.

• Wants to please friends.
• Can count 10 or more objects.
• Dresses and undresses without help.