Which statement about development in an 18-month-old is most indicative of delay?

• A. Rarely speaks.
• B. Speaks in full sentences.
• C. Walks unassisted.
• D. Engages in pretend play.

Answer: (A)

Language development at 18 months is a key signal of overall progress. By this age, children usually have begun to say several words and use them to communicate, name familiar people or objects, and imitate words. When a child rarely speaks, it strongly suggests a potential expressive language delay and warrants evaluation for speech–language issues or possible hearing problems. The other statements fit more clearly with typical variation: walking unassisted should be established by now, pretend play starts to appear around this period, and speaking in full sentences is not expected yet at 18 months.