A 3-year-old child is brought for developmental assessment. He uses 3-word sentences, can name 4 colors, rides a tricycle, and can copy a circle but not a cross. He plays alongside other children without interacting. Which aspect of development is most delayed?
- A Social development ✓
- B Language development
- C Gross motor development
- D Fine motor development
Correct answer: A. Social development
Explanation
By 3 years of age, children typically engage in cooperative or associative play with peers, not merely parallel play (playing alongside others without interaction). Parallel play is a normal finding at 2 years. Using 3-word sentences and naming colors is appropriate for 3 years. Copying a circle (achieved around 3 years) but not a cross (achieved around 4 years) is age-appropriate. Riding a tricycle is normal by 3 years. Therefore, the social development (still at the parallel play stage) is the most delayed domain.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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