Which assessment finding in a 4-year-old child might suggest developmental delay?

In assessing a 4-year-old child for developmental milestones, the ability to speak in complete sentences is a significant indicator of communication skills and cognitive development. By this age, children are typically expected to use several words and form sentences that combine these words; they should be able to express more complex thoughts and feelings verbally. If a child does not speak in complete sentences, it may suggest a delay in language development, which is a critical aspect of overall growth and cognitive function.

The other options highlight skills that are often expected at this age. Dressing independently and having a defined sense of gender indicate developmental progress in autonomy and social awareness, respectively. Counting to ten demonstrates basic numeracy skills, another aspect of cognitive development. These abilities typically align with age-appropriate development and would not indicate a developmental delay in the same manner as limited language skills do. Thus, the lack of complete sentences serves as a more direct indicator of potential developmental delays in a child.