Abstract
Early childhood development is dynamic and does not always progress at the same pace across developmental domains. In some children, reasoning and verbal expression may appear more prominent, while social emotional regulation is still developing. This study aimed to analyze differences in developmental rhythms in a four year one month old child at Sekolah Otak Yogyakarta, focusing on the relationship between opinion expression and Islamic self regulation in social interactions. This qualitative study employed a case study design. Data were collected through focused observation, a parental questionnaire, and documentation. The data were analyzed qualitatively by identifying and categorizing recurring patterns related to opinion expression, reasoning, social interaction, and self regulation. Asynchronous development was used as an analytical perspective, while a fitrah based perspective grounded in Qur’an Surah Ar Rum [30]:30 was used as an Islamic educational framework. The findings showed that the participant consistently expressed opinions and preferences, provided simple reasons, identified cause and effect relationships, compared outcomes, and communicated procedural knowledge during learning and play activities. Self regulation varied across social situations. The participant was able to wait for turns, communicate personal conditions, adjust behavior, and respond to guidance in several situations, while differences in preferences and shared social situations sometimes required facilitator support. Several behavioral adjustments were observed following adult guidance, including allowing peers to participate and returning to activities. These findings indicate different developmental rhythms between opinion expression and self regulation without establishing asynchronous development as a diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of responsive educational support that recognizes children's developmental differences and supports self regulation through a fitrah based approach.