During a developmental screening of an 18-month-old, which skills should the toddler be able to perform?

At 18 months, toddlers are typically developing a range of gross motor skills and fine motor skills, and it's important to identify which abilities are developmentally appropriate for that age. The ability to throw a ball overhand is a skill that aligns well with the gross motor development expected at this stage. By this age, toddlers are gaining coordination and the strength necessary to perform such actions, reflecting their growing physical capabilities.

In contrast, building a tower with 6 blocks requires a level of fine motor skill and coordination that most 18-month-olds have not yet mastered, as their attention span and motor planning are still developing. Walking up and down stairs typically involves climbing skills that are usually attained around the age of 2 or later, and many children may not have the balance or coordination to attempt that at 18 months. Using a spoon without rotation reflects a level of fine motor control and dexterity that is expected at a slightly older age, often closer to 2 years old, as many toddlers still struggle with this task at 18 months due to their developing skills in hand-eye coordination and manipulation of smaller objects.

Thus, while toddlers may show varying development, the ability to throw a ball overhand is a skill that is commonly seen at 18