PCS PCS Developmental Milestones and Neurodevelopment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what age do most typically developing children begin to walk independently?
- 6–8 months
- 9–11 months
- 12–15 months (Correct answer)
- 18–24 months
Correct answer: 12–15 months
Most children take their first independent steps between 12 and 15 months of age.
Question 2: Which reflex, present at birth, involves turning the head toward a stimulus that touches the cheek?
- Moro reflex
- Rooting reflex (Correct answer)
- Palmar grasp reflex
- Babinski reflex
Correct answer: Rooting reflex
The rooting reflex causes a newborn to turn toward a tactile stimulus on the cheek, facilitating feeding.
Question 3: Synaptic pruning in the developing brain primarily occurs during which periods?
- Only prenatal development
- Infancy and early childhood, then again in adolescence (Correct answer)
- Only during adolescence
- Only during the third trimester
Correct answer: Infancy and early childhood, then again in adolescence
Synaptic pruning occurs in two major waves: early childhood (sensory/motor cortices) and adolescence (prefrontal cortex).
Question 4: A 4-month-old infant who does not demonstrate social smiling may indicate concern for which of the following?
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delay or autism spectrum disorder (Correct answer)
- Typical development
- Sensory processing disorder only
Correct answer: Developmental delay or autism spectrum disorder
Social smiling typically emerges by 2 months; absence at 4 months warrants further developmental screening.
Question 5: Which area of the brain is most responsible for regulating balance and coordination in children?
- Cerebral cortex
- Hypothalamus
- Cerebellum (Correct answer)
- Amygdala
Correct answer: Cerebellum
The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movement, balance, and fine motor control.
Question 6: The Denver Developmental Screening Test II (Denver II) screens children in how many developmental domains?
- 2
- 3
- 4 (Correct answer)
- 5
Correct answer: 4
The Denver II screens four domains: personal-social, fine motor-adaptive, language, and gross motor.
PCS PCS Developmental Milestones and Neurodevelopment 1
At what age do most typically developing children begin to walk independently?