Which of the following is an indicator of possible delayed social development?

The inability to play pretend games is indeed considered an indicator of possible delayed social development. Pretend play is a critical aspect of social development as it demonstrates a child's ability to engage in imaginative scenarios, understand social roles, and interact with peers. Through pretend play, children learn to navigate social cues, negotiation, and cooperative play, which are essential skills for healthy social interaction.

When a child struggles with engaging in pretend play, it can signify difficulties in several areas, including creativity and the ability to empathize with others. This limitation can affect the child’s capacity to form friendships and understand social dynamics, as much of social learning occurs through interactive play with others.

In contrast, actions such as sharing toys, making eye contact, and expressing a range of emotions indicate positive social development. Sharing toys tends to reflect the ability to understand the needs of others and engage in reciprocal interactions. Making eye contact demonstrates engagement and the ability to connect with others, while expressing a range of emotions is crucial for communicating feelings and understanding social contexts. In sum, the inability to play pretend games serves as a key indicator of potential social development delays.