The 18 month visit introduces a formal autism screening (usually the M-CHAT) alongside another round of vaccines and a language check-in.
What happens at the visit
Weight, length, and head circumference. Full exam. Formal autism screening using M-CHAT-R or similar. Language inventory. Feeding, sleep, and behavior review.
Developmental milestones to discuss
Typically 15 to 20 words or more, running (sort of), climbing on furniture, scribbling, pointing to show you things (joint attention), following simple instructions, and pretend play starting to appear.
Vaccines at this visit
Per the CDC schedule, the 18 month visit typically includes DTaP #4, HepA #2 (if #1 was at 12 months), and any catch-up doses. Annual flu in season.
Questions worth asking
- How did my toddler score on the M-CHAT?
- Are you seeing typical joint attention and social engagement?
- Should we worry about speech if vocabulary is under 10 words?
- What’s a realistic screen time guideline at this age?
- Any toilet-training readiness signs to start watching for?
What to watch for between now and the next visit
Word explosion for many kids, first two-word phrases, more complex pretend play, and testing limits constantly. Call about skill loss, loss of eye contact, or language regression.
How VisitRecall fits in
Record the visit with one tap; your partner gets the summary within minutes. Track growth, vaccines given, and the pediatrician’s specific advice on one timeline with family profiles, and use the parents hub for the rest.
FAQ
What is the M-CHAT?
A short parent questionnaire used as a screening tool. It flags kids for a closer look — it doesn’t diagnose anything.
My toddler has fewer than 10 words — should I worry?
Bring it up; a speech evaluation through Early Intervention is free and low-friction in most states.
Is screen time a big deal?
Current guidance generally recommends limiting screen time for toddlers. Your pediatrician can talk through what’s practical.
