When should a child be referred for evaluation if they have not begun to walk?

A child should be referred for evaluation if they have not begun to walk by 15 months of age because this milestone is a critical part of a child's gross motor development. By 15 months, the majority of children are walking independently or are showing signs of readiness to walk, which typically includes pulling themselves up, cruising along furniture, or taking steps with support.

Delaying referral until 18 months or later may lead to delays in addressing potential underlying issues that could affect their motor development. Early intervention is important to provide support and resources that can help facilitate motor skill development. At 12 months, while many children are beginning to walk, it's still considered within the range of typical development for a child to not yet be walking. Therefore, waiting until 18 months or 24 months would not align with the recommended guidelines for monitoring developmental milestones that emphasize early detection and intervention.