Down syndrome: which statement about physical and motor development is true?

• A. Development delays in all aspects of growth, speech, cognitive ability
• B. No delays in growth
• C. Only motor delays
• D. Enhanced cognitive abilities

Answer: (A)

Down syndrome commonly presents with delays across several areas of development. Babies often have low muscle tone and slower motor development, which leads to delays in reaching motor milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking. Growth is typically slower than average, resulting in shorter stature. Language and speech development are also delayed, and overall cognitive development tends to show mild to moderate intellectual disability, though there is wide individual variation. Because these delays span physical growth, motor skills, speech, and cognition, the statement reflecting delays in all these areas aligns with the typical pattern seen in Down syndrome. It’s not accurate to say there are no growth delays, or that delays occur only in motor skills, or that cognitive abilities are enhanced.