Developmental delays can occur in which areas?

Developmental delays can manifest in various areas of a child's growth and functioning. Recognizing that development is multidimensional, delays can occur in cognitive skills—such as problem-solving and learning, speech-language abilities—which involve communication and understanding, social-emotional skills that pertain to interaction and emotional regulation, and motor skills that encompass both gross and fine motor development.

Option C encompasses all these critical areas, highlighting the complexity and interrelatedness of child development. For example, delays in cognitive development might impact social skills, as reasoning and understanding social cues often involve cognitive processes. Similarly, speech and language development is crucial for effective communication, necessary for forming relationships and emotional expression in social contexts. Thus, developmental delays can impact multiple areas simultaneously, making this the most accurate and comprehensive choice.