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Sensory milestones for your 18-to-24-month-old
By 18–24 months most toddlers turn to sounds and their name, track moving objects, explore varied textures and tastes, and recover well from everyday noise or touch. Sensory development (ICF b2) varies widely, so look for steady progress. Persistent non-response to sound or name, strong lasting distress with textures or light, or not noticing touch is worth a friendly developmental check.
In this answer 4 sections
At this age, your little one is becoming a busy explorer — touching, listening, watching and tasting their way through the world, and that sensory curiosity is exactly the point.
In short
Between 18 and 24 months, most toddlers are using their senses with growing confidence — turning to sounds and their own name, watching and following moving things, enjoying a range of textures and tastes, and recovering well from everyday noise, light or touch. Sensory development (ICF b2) is about how your child takes in and makes sense of the world. There is a wide normal range, so look for steady progress rather than a fixed checklist on a fixed day.
What you may notice
Hearing & listening
- Turns to their name and to interesting sounds across the room
- Enjoys music, rhymes and animal sounds; follows simple spoken requests
Seeing & watching
- Tracks moving objects and people; points to pictures in a familiar book
- Notices small things on the floor and looks where you point
Touch, taste & movement
- Explores different textures — sand, water, dough — with growing comfort
- Accepts a variety of food textures and temperatures
- Enjoys movement play (swinging, bouncing) and settles afterwards
Gentle things to watch: consistently not responding to sounds or name, strong and lasting distress with everyday textures, noise or light, or seeming not to notice when touched. Any of these — especially with a parent's lingering concern — is worth a friendly developmental check.
The Pinnacle way
Every child's sensory world is wonderfully their own. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from an online list. Explore sensory development and how occupational therapy supports comfortable sensory processing.
Trusted sources
Aligned with the WHO ICF framework for sensory functions (b2) and paediatric developmental guidance from the AAP and CDC.
Next step — if anything here gives you pause, book a gentle developmental screen with the Pinnacle team on WhatsApp: +91 91001 81181.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
Speak with a clinician promptly if your toddler consistently doesn't respond to sounds or their name, shows strong lasting distress with everyday textures, noise or light, or doesn't seem to notice being touched — especially alongside delays in talking or play.
In everyday life
Make a simple sensory basket — a soft cloth, a crinkly paper, a smooth spoon, a textured ball — and explore one item together each day, naming what you feel and hear.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
Is it normal for my toddler to dislike certain textures?
Mild fussiness with new textures is common at this age as your child learns preferences. Watch for strong, lasting distress that interrupts everyday play, dressing or eating — that is worth mentioning at a developmental check.
My child covers their ears at loud sounds — should I worry?
Reacting to sudden loud noise is normal. If your toddler is repeatedly overwhelmed by everyday sounds, or conversely doesn't respond to sounds or their name, a clinician-led sensory check can offer clarity.
When should sensory differences be assessed?
There is a wide normal range. Seek a friendly developmental screen if you notice persistent non-response to sound, strong lasting distress with sensory input, or any loss of skills — a clinician can guide you, and diagnosis is never made from an online list.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Source referenceICF b2
- Source referenceWHO ICF · Sensory functions (b2)
- Organisation website · further readingAAP HealthyChildren · toddler development
- Source referenceCDC · Learn the Signs. Act Early.
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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