Child health · UKMLA & AKT
Speech and language delay
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise speech and language delay — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Knowing normal milestones is the core exam skill - use them to identify what is truly delayed or abnormal.
Hand preference before 18 months is a red flag for neuromuscular pathology - most likely cerebral palsy. A strong preference for one hand suggests the other limb may have impaired motor function. Normal hand dominance is not established until 18-24 months.
Casting bricks is normal until 18 months - only flag if it persists beyond this. Independent walking should develop by 9-18 months, with 18 months being the threshold for concern.
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