Jian is a 15-month-old from rural China who is not yet walking unsupported. Adad is a 10-month-old from sub-Saharan Africa who has been walking unsupported for a month. What can we say about these two infants?
A) Jian is behind and needs to be assessed by a doctor.
B) Adad is ahead and probably will develop great athletic abilities as he ages.
C) Both infants are on target relative to their local norms.
D) Jian will probably always lag behind in gross motor skills.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Developmental milestones can vary across cultures and regions. What may seem delayed or advanced in one culture may be typical in another. In this case, Jian's lack of walking unsupported at 15 months may not necessarily be a cause for concern as it may be within the norm for his local community. Similarly, Adad's ability to walk independently at 10 months may also be within the norm for his community. Therefore, both infants may be on target relative to their local norms, and we cannot make assumptions about their future athletic abilities or developmental delays.

Jian Is a 15-Month-Old from Rural China Who Is Not