A 30-month-old child has no meaningful two-word phrases, does not make eye contact, does not respond to his name, engages in repetitive spinning behavior, and has no pretend play. These findings are most consistent with:

• A Global developmental delay — all domains affected equally
• B Language disorder — only expressive language delayed
• C Childhood disintegrative disorder — normal development until age 2 then regression
• D Autism spectrum disorder — social communication deficits + restricted/repetitive behaviors ✓

Explanation

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction (absent eye contact, no response to name, no pretend play) combined with restricted repetitive behaviors (stereotypies, spinning). Two-word phrases should appear by 24 months; absence by 30 months is a major red flag. Childhood disintegrative disorder (now subsumed under ASD in DSM-5) requires at least 2 years of normal development before regression. Language disorder alone would not explain the social deficits.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.