ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

At what age does a child typically start to show interest in physical mobility and separation from their caregiver?

1. 0-1 month

2. 1-5 months

3. 15-24 months

4. 24-38 months

The correct answer is: 15-24 months

Children typically start to show significant interest in physical mobility and separation from their caregiver around the age of 15 to 24 months. During this developmental stage, toddlers become increasingly aware of their surroundings and begin to explore independently. This is often marked by the onset of walking, which enhances their ability to move away from their caregiver while still seeking their presence for security. In this age range, toddlers also develop a stronger sense of autonomy and begin to assert their independence, wanting to explore and interact with the world around them. This is an important time in their development, as they learn about physical boundaries, develop motor skills, and begin to understand social interactions. It is common for children to experience a balance between wanting to explore and the need for reassurance from their caregiver. As children grow older, around 24 to 38 months, they continue to enhance their mobility and independence, but the initial stages of interest in separation typically occur earlier, making the time frame of 15 to 24 months the most accurate for this developmental milestone.