At a routine well-child visit, a 3-year-old child is asked to draw. Which of the following drawing achievements is expected at this age?
- A Copies a square
- B Copies a cross
- C Copies a circle ✓
- D Copies a triangle
Correct answer: C. Copies a circle
Explanation
Copying a circle is a 3-year milestone. A cross is copied at about 4 years, a square at 4.5 to 5 years, and a triangle at 5 years. This graded sequence of form copying is a standard fine motor milestone table in Nelson and Ghai and is frequently tested. Knowing the exact year attached to each shape separates children with normal fine motor development from those with delay.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.