Final answer:
Developmental delays in preschool children's social/emotional development can include difficulties in forming attachments, expressing emotions, and interacting with peers. Autism Spectrum Disorder is one cause of such delays, impacting social skills and emotional understanding. Early detection and intervention are key to support and improve psychosocial development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preschool children, typically between the ages of 3 to 5 years old, are expected to hit certain social and emotional milestones as they develop. Issues in this area might manifest as developmental delays, where children might struggle with forming healthy attachments, managing emotions, or interacting with others. Some possible social/emotional developmental delays could include difficulties in making or maintaining friendships, understanding and expressing emotions, or engaging in cooperative play. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one condition that can significantly impact a child's social and emotional development. In this case, children might struggle with reading social cues, making eye contact, or feeling empathy for others. However, it is important to consider that not all social/emotional developmental delays are indicative of ASD.
If a child exhibits impaired social skills, such as difficulty reading social cues or making eye contact, they might be tested for ASD. This condition is characterized by a range of symptoms that can also include repetitive behaviors, strict adherence to routines, and atypical language use. Early exposure to harmful substances such as lead can cause developmental delays and affect a child's cognitive and psychosocial development; hence, recognizing and addressing these delays early is crucial for effective intervention and support.