Child Development

What is “Normal” Anyway?

Important Concepts in Child Development

Wide range of development is “normal”Different temperament typesCultural considerations

Developmental Age Ranges

Infancy (0-1 years)Early Childhood (2-5 years)Middle Childhood (6-11 years)Adolescence (12-18 years)

Developmental Considerations

Physical DevelopmentGrowthMotor development

Cognitive DevelopmentThinking, reasoningLanguage development

Social and Emotional DevelopmentRelationships (family, friends)Emotion regulationDisorders

Positive Development in Infancy

Is welcomed at birth by parentsHas good physical health and nutritionGrows normallyHas normal eating, bowel, sleep patterns Has positive, cheerful, friendly

temperamentFeels parents’ unconditional loveResponds to parents and others

Positive Development in Infancy (Cont.)Is attached to parents and trusts themSmiles, vocalizesIs adaptableHas self-comforting behaviorsExplores environment activelyPlays with toysAchieves developmental milestones

Concerns in Infancy

Preterm birthCongenital disabilitiesFeeding problemsFood or drug allergiesSleep problemsSleeping with bottleEarly childhood caries (baby bottle tooth

decay)

Concerns in Infancy (Cont.)

Fussing, crying, colic, irritabilityInfections, illnessesConstipation, diarrheaUndernutrition (failure to thrive)Iron-deficiency anemiaChronic illnessDevelopmental delay

Positive Development in Early ChildhoodHas good physical health and nutritionHas good appetiteHas good sleeping habitsHas regular oral health careEngages in physical activitiesHas positive, cheerful, friendly

temperamentFeels parents’ unconditional love

Positive Development in Early Childhood (Cont.)Trusts parentsRelates warmly to and communicates well

with parentsIs developing social competenceHas had many joyful experiencesAccepts limitsHas good attention span

Positive Development in Early Childhood (Cont.)Has normal cognitive abilityAsks questionsDemonstrates curiosity and initiativePlays with toysAchieves developmental milestones

Concerns in Early Childhood

Sleeping concernsEating concernsBehavioral concernsEmotional concernsSpeech or language concernsAutismFew relationships with peers and/or

difficulty in relating to peers

Autism

Misunderstandings abound75% of children with Autism also have

mental retardationMost are not “savants” as in “Rain Man”Research does not support environmental

causes such as vaccines or poor parentingIntense behavior modification treatment

can be helpful

Some Typical Autistic Behaviors

SpinningStackingHand flapping, rockingCovering ears, rocking

Concerns in Early Childhood (Cont.)

Infections, illnessesEarly childhood caries (baby bottle tooth

decay)Lead poisoningIron-deficiency anemiaChronic illnessDevelopmental delay

Positive Development in Middle ChildhoodHas good physical health and nutritionHas good eating habitsIs developing a sense of responsibility for

personal healthHas regular oral health careEngages in physical activitiesHas positive attitude

Positive Development in Middle Childhood (Cont.)Feels loved and valued by parents and

other adultsHas one or more close friendsIs developing social competenceExpresses feelingsEnjoys life and has joyful experiencesParticipates in social activities

Positive Development in Middle Childhood (Cont.)Has personal sense of competenceHas high self-esteem and expects

personal successHas opportunities for new challengesFeels comfortable asking questions of

parents and teachersWorks hard in schoolHas positive role models

Concerns in Middle Childhood

School concernsBehavioral concerns Peer concernsEmotional concernsRisk-taking behaviorWeight and height concernsPhysical inactivity

Concerns in Middle Childhood (Cont.)Chronic illnessPhysical complaintsTicsDevelopmental delays

Positive Development in AdolescenceHas good physical health and nutritionMaintains an appropriate weightDevelops a positive body imageDevelops healthy habitsReceives regular oral health careParticipates in physical activity regularlyHas a positive attitude

Positive Development in Adolescence (Cont.)Develops anger management skillsEngages in safe, age appropriate

experimentationHas confidants and develops capacity for

intimacyExhibits social competenceExperiences hope, joy, success, love

Positive Development in Adolescence (Cont.)Has high self-esteem and expects successLearns stress management skillsDemonstrates appropriate level of

independenceDevelops individual identityRespects rights and needs of othersEstablishes educational and vocational

goals

Concerns in Adolescence

School concernsVocational concernsBehavioral concernsSocial concernsEmotional concernsDifficulty in managing angerEarly or inappropriate sexual behaviorSubstance abuse

Concerns in Adolescence (Cont.)

Dangerous behaviorsExcessive risk-takingMedical concernsWeight and height concernsLack of regular physical activityChronic illnessTransitional challenges