Which of the following can disturb or delay normal development?

• A. Impairment resulting from prenatal problems, trauma during birth, accidents, illness, or disease that damages the body or mind.
• B. A child's nutritional intake.
• C. Regular screen time and video games.
• D. Adequate sleep and rest.

Answer: (A)

Development can be disrupted most clearly when there is direct damage to the body or brain from prenatal problems, birth trauma, accidents, illness, or disease. Such impairments can alter how a child’s brain develops or how their body functions, leading to delays in physical, cognitive, or emotional milestones. It’s a direct, tangible impact on development because it changes the foundational systems that support growth.

Other factors influence development but aren’t by themselves automatic disturbances. Nutrition, for example, supports growth and brain development, and adequate sleep helps with learning and memory—these are protective or enhancing factors. Excessive screen time might pose risks, but it isn’t in itself a direct cause of developmental disturbance the way physical or neurological damage from prenatal or medical events is. That direct link to impairment is why the first option best explains what can disturb or delay normal development.