Which statement indicates cognitive delays in a child over age 2?

Which statement indicates cognitive delays in a child over age 2?

• A. Unable to follow simple instructions, not able to imitate actions or speech.
• B. Follows simple instructions easily and imitates actions or speech.
• C. Demonstrates advanced problem-solving.
• D. Has an exceptional memory.

Answer: (A)

Cognitive development at around age two includes starting to follow simple directions and imitating actions and speech. When a child over two cannot follow simple instructions and cannot imitate actions or speech, it signals a potential cognitive delay because these abilities show understanding, language, and social learning developing at this age. The other statements describe typical or stronger-than-average skills for this age: following instructions easily and imitating actions or speech reflect normal development, while showing advanced problem-solving or an exceptional memory would suggest higher-than-average cognition rather than a delay. If there are concerns, a developmental screening or evaluation can help determine if there are underlying issues.

Cognitive development at around age two includes starting to follow simple directions and imitating actions and speech. When a child over two cannot follow simple instructions and cannot imitate actions or speech, it signals a potential cognitive delay because these abilities show understanding, language, and social learning developing at this age.

The other statements describe typical or stronger-than-average skills for this age: following instructions easily and imitating actions or speech reflect normal development, while showing advanced problem-solving or an exceptional memory would suggest higher-than-average cognition rather than a delay. If there are concerns, a developmental screening or evaluation can help determine if there are underlying issues.