Natasha is 17 months old. She began babbling around the age of 8 months, but so far has not produced her first words. When she wants something, she will point at the item. She also shakes her head "no" when handed an item she does not want. At daycare, she seems relatively uninterested in what the children around her are doing or playing. Physically, she is able to walk, hold a spoon, and reach for and grasp objects. She feeds herself independently (if a bit messily).

According to the information presented in this scenario, indicate whether Natasha shows any warning signs of possible developmental delays or atypical development.
Make sure to justify your answer using material from lecture or supplemental resources provided by your instructor.
Outline the areas in which Natasha shows appropriate developmental milestones based on her age.
Did you have any difficulties determining or diagnosing possible delays? If so, why?

Scenario 2:
Penelope is two and a half years old. Physically, she loves to climb and run at the playground. Her parents have often caught her trying to shimmy up the slide instead of going down it. In spite of her love of climbing at the playground, she struggles going up and down stairs at home and at school. She likes to put her hands down on the stairs when climbing up (instead of using the railing). When going down the stairs, she sits and scoots on her bottom. She also has a tendency to copy what she sees her parents and friends at school do. For example, when her mother sings and dances in the car, Penelope joins in. Her parents and teachers have noticed that she shows a wide range of emotions. When her daily routine is disrupted, she frequently has temper tantrums and outbursts of emotion. Furthermore, she evidences some degree of defiant behavior. When her parents tell her not to get out of bed, she sneaks out into the living room to see what they are doing.

According to the information presented in this scenario, indicate whether Penelope shows any warning signs of possible developmental delays or atypical development.
Make sure to justify your answer using material from lecture or supplemental resources provided by your instructor.
Outline the areas in which Penelope shows appropriate developmental milestones based on her age.
Did you have any difficulties determining or diagnosing possible delays? If so, why?