Question
Which of the following will be considered to be a ‘RED FLAG’ in child development?
| A. |
No vocalization by 4 months |
| B. |
Unable to sit without support by 10 months |
| C. |
Unable to walk independently by 15 months |
| D. |
Unable to speak a single word with meaning by 15 months |
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » B Explanation |
 |
- Most children are able to sit without support by 8 months (typically between 6–8 months).
- Failure to achieve independent sitting by 9 months is considered a developmental red flag.
- Therefore, a child unable to sit without support by 10 months requires prompt developmental evaluation.
Why Other Options are Incorrect
A. No vocalization by 4 months
- Cooing and vocalization usually begin around 2–4 months.
- Absence of vocalization at exactly 4 months is not considered a standard developmental red flag by itself and should be interpreted along with other developmental findings.
C. Unable to walk independently by 15 months
- Independent walking normally occurs between 12 and 15 months.
- Walking up to 18 months may still be within the normal range.
- Failure to walk by 18 months is considered a red flag.
D. Unable to speak a single meaningful word by 15 months
- Most children say their first meaningful word between 12 and 15 months.
- Developmental surveillance becomes more concerning if no meaningful single words are spoken by 16–18 months.
- Therefore, 15 months alone is not the standard red flag threshold.