PCS Developmental Milestones and Neurodevelopment Flashcards

At what age do most typically developing children begin to walk independently?

Answer: 12–15 months

Most children take their first independent steps between 12 and 15 months of age.

Which reflex, present at birth, involves turning the head toward a stimulus that touches the cheek?

Answer: Rooting reflex

The rooting reflex causes a newborn to turn toward a tactile stimulus on the cheek, facilitating feeding.

Synaptic pruning in the developing brain primarily occurs during which periods?

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).

A 4-month-old infant who does not demonstrate social smiling may indicate concern for which of the following?

Answer: Developmental delay or autism spectrum disorder

Social smiling typically emerges by 2 months; absence at 4 months warrants further developmental screening.

Which area of the brain is most responsible for regulating balance and coordination in children?

Answer: Cerebellum

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movement, balance, and fine motor control.

The Denver Developmental Screening Test II (Denver II) screens children in how many developmental domains?

Answer: 4

The Denver II screens four domains: personal-social, fine motor-adaptive, language, and gross motor.