Which of the following findings would most likely suggest that a 5-year-old boy might have a developmental disorder?

• A. He occasionally forgets where he left his toys.
• B. He is able to dress himself and tie his shoes.
• C. He prefers playing alone sometimes but also enjoys group activities.
• D. He does not speak in full sentences and struggles to follow simple instructions.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand typical developmental milestones for a 5-year-old child, including language skills, social interaction, and self-care abilities.
2. Step 2: Recognize that occasional forgetfulness, the ability to dress oneself and tie shoes, and a mix of solitary and group play are generally within normal developmental expectations for this age.
3. Step 3: Identify that difficulties such as not speaking in full sentences and struggling to follow simple instructions indicate delays in language and comprehension skills, which are key areas assessed when considering developmental disorders.
4. Step 4: Connect these language and comprehension difficulties to potential developmental disorders, such as speech delays, language disorders, or broader conditions like autism spectrum disorder.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, the finding of impaired speech and difficulty following instructions is the most indicative sign that a 5-year-old might have a developmental disorder.