What is the developmental age of a patient who can walk steadily independently, has an immature pincer grasp, says 4-6 words, and knows 2 body parts?

Developmental Age Assessment

This child's developmental profile is most consistent with 24 months of age. 1

Developmental Domain Analysis

Gross Motor Skills

• Steady independent walking represents a mature stage of walking development that extends well beyond initial walking onset 1
• Independent walking is typically achieved by 12 months (average) with 75% of children walking by 14 months 1, 2
• The descriptor "walks steadily" indicates refinement of gait patterns that develop after initial walking onset, suggesting the child is beyond the 12-15 month range 1

Fine Motor Skills

• An immature pincer grasp indicates the child is still developing this skill 1
• Mature pincer grasp is typically achieved by 12 months as part of the classic triad of 12-month fine motor abilities 3
• The presence of an "immature" pincer grasp suggests the child is working on refining this skill, which is consistent with the 18-24 month period 1

Language Development

• Speaking 4-6 words falls between key language milestones 1
• At 15 months, children typically speak 4-6 words, while 10-15 words emerge around 18 months 1
• However, when combined with other developmental domains showing more advanced skills, this vocabulary range can represent the lower end of normal for a 24-month-old 1

Cognitive Development

• Knowing 2 body parts requires integration of receptive language, cognitive recognition, and motor coordination 1
• Body part identification typically emerges in the second year of life, with pointing to two body parts being a skill consistent with 24 months of age 1
• This milestone aligns with cognitive abilities expected at 24 months 1

Clinical Synthesis

The combination of steady independent walking (mature gross motor), vocabulary of 4-6 words (developing expressive language), and identification of 2 body parts (established cognitive-language integration) represents a developmental profile most consistent with 24 months of age. 1

Key Distinguishing Features from Other Ages

Why not 12 months:

• At 12 months, walking is just beginning (walking while holding on or first independent steps), not steady 3
• Body part identification is not yet established at 12 months 1

Why not 18 months:

• The steady quality of walking and body part identification push the developmental age beyond 18 months 1
• The overall pattern of skills across all domains aligns better with 24 months 1, 3