If your 15-month-old rarely responds to their name, arrange a conversation with their doctor and ask about hearing and developmental screening. Do not assume they are being stubborn, or that the behaviour proves autism. A clinician needs to consider more than one response.
This page focuses on the 15-month stage. For explanations across toddlerhood, see the broader guide to name response, hearing and attention. If words, gestures or other skills have been lost, seek prompt advice.
What communication should I discuss at 15 months?
The CDC lists looking when a name is called at 9 months. Its 15-month checklist adds other useful observations: showing an object of interest, pointing to request help, trying a small number of words beyond parent names, looking at a familiar object when named and following an instruction supported by a gesture.
These observations help you explain your concerns. They are not a home diagnostic test, and a child does not need to miss a set number of items before you can ask for help. Mention anything that worries you, including a change from their previous skills.
“My 15-month-old ignores me when I call”
Try describing what happened without deciding why. For example: “During breakfast they paused when I spoke, but while playing they did not turn when I called twice.” The clinician can ask about hearing, attention and communication using those details.
Responding to music or a familiar packet is not proof that hearing is normal. The CDC notes that a child may hear some sounds and miss others. A normal newborn hearing screen also does not rule out later hearing changes.
A short observation sheet to take with you
- Name response: when you noticed a response, and when you did not.
- Requests: how your child asks for a drink, help or a favourite activity.
- Shared interest: whether and how they show you something they enjoy.
- Understanding: an example of a familiar word or instruction they respond to.
- Sounds and words: examples from every language used at home.
- Health and change: ear concerns, recent illness and any skills that have faded.
A few examples are enough. You do not need a score, constant recordings or a completed checklist before booking. Do not delay an appointment to collect more evidence.
What can I do while waiting for advice?
Use ordinary play and routines. Sit nearby, reduce background noise, say the child’s name naturally and pause. Follow with a useful gesture or message, such as showing the cup you are offering. Recognise a pause, gesture or sound as communication, not only a turn of the head.
Do not force eye contact, repeatedly test from behind, or hold back food or a toy until the child responds in one particular way. The aim is comfortable communication. Our talking activities offer ideas to discuss with the clinician.
Questions for the first appointment
- Does my child need a hearing assessment, and who can arrange an appropriate test?
- What does the wider communication and developmental picture suggest?
- Should hearing and developmental assessments happen alongside each other?
- What support is appropriate now, and when should we review progress?
Audiology testing needs appropriate equipment and an age-appropriate method. It cannot be carried out through an ordinary video call. A developmental conversation also cannot establish the cause from a single example of missed name response.
Getting support in Multan
At IDTC, ask about developmental assessment or early intervention for your child. Bring existing hearing reports if available. The published child consultation fee is Rs 1,500 for up to 50 minutes; confirm an appointment before travelling to Model Town, Multan.
You can also use our 12-month and 18-month resources for nearby stages, but do not wait for the next birthday to raise a concern.
Sources and further reading
Updated 28 October 2026. General educational information; this page does not replace an individual assessment.