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Child Development
Child Development
NORMAL DEVELOPMENTAL
Child development refers to the biological refers
to the biological and psychological refers to the
biological and psychological changes that occur
in human beings between birth and the end of
adolescence
as the individual progresses from dependency to
increasing autonomy
This change gradually occurs as the central
nervous system matures and shows
psychological reactions
Influenced by
Genetic factors in the prenatal period
Biologic influences in the prenatal and post
natal period and in early years of life
Environmental factors
BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL OF
DEVELOPMENT
It takes into account
The person himself
His environment
The disease
THE DEVELOPING BRAIN
At birth , brain has 100 billion neurons
Each neuron --- 15,000 synapses by 3 yrs of age
No. of synapses remain constant but no. of
neurons decreases gradually
Used pathways are preserved , and less used
ones atrophy.
EXPERIENCE (nurture)HAS A DIRECT
EFFECT ON PHYSICAL GROWTH AND
PROPERTIES OF BRAIN (nature)
Earlier experiences --- established synaptic
pathways ---better learning
Experiences cause shifting of probabilities
one way or the other
BIOLOGIC INFLUENCES ON
DEVELOPMENT
Genetics
In utero exposure to teratogens
Postnatal illnesses
Exposure to hazardous substances
Maturation
BIOLOGIC INFLUENCES ON
DEVELOPMENT
Physical and neurological maturation sets the
lower limits for emergence of most abilities
Gross motor
Fine motor
Communication and language
Social adaptive
Cognitive
Emotional development
Periods of development:
Prenatal period: from conception to birth
Infancy and toddlerhood: birth to 2 years
Early childhood: 2-6 years old
Middle childhood: 6-12 years old
Adolescence: 12-19 years old
ASSESSMENT OF FETAL GROWTH
AND DEVELOPMENT
The most dramatic period of growth and
development
Transformation of a fertilized egg into an
embryo and a fetus
Emergence of behavior in utero
Development of psychological changes in
parents
PHYSICAL DEVEOPMENT
EMBRYONIC PERIOD
6 days spherical mass of cells
2 wks implantation occurs . Endodermal and
ectodermal layers appear
3 wks mesodermal layer appears wih neural
tube
EMBRYONIC PERIOD
4-8 wks growth at head and tail end
budding of arms and legs
skeletal muscle and vertebrae
precursors
bones and structures of head and neck
FETAL PERIOD
9 wks increase in cell no. and size
10 wks face appears and gut formation
12 wks genitals recognizable, lung buds
FETAL PERIOD
24 wks lungs are functional
24 wks onwards weight triples
length doubles
NEUROLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
3rd trimester
Responds to external stimuli with inc HR and
body movements
Reacts to auditory and visual stimuli
Maternal medication and diet
Habituation , a form of learning
PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN
PARENTS
STAGE 1
Seen in early pregnancy
Elation and wish to be a perfect parent
Fears of inadequacy
Psychological identification with her own
mother
PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN
PARENTS
STAGE 2
Awareness of fetal movements
Feelings of a separate existence
Worry about fetal well- being
PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN
PARENTS
STAGE 3
Aware of fetal pattern of activity and
reactivity
Recognize fetus as individual personality
RISKS TO FETAL DEVELOPMENT
30% pregnancies end in abortions (1st
trimester)
Major congenital malformations seen in 2%
live births
Infectious agents
Drugs
Cigarette smoking
Maternal chronic illness
Social factors
Adverse events during delivery
THE NEWBORN
Neonatal period
Birth to 1st month of life
Marked physiological transitions in organ
systems
Learning to respond to external stimuli
Psychological development due to social
interactions
PARENTAL ROLE IN MATERNAL –INFANT
RELATIONSHIP
Prenatal factors
H/O miscarraiges, stillbirths or IUDs.
Depression or maternal illnes
Troubled relationship with parents or
spouse
Financial problems
Unwanted pregnancy
Drug abuse
Severe Prematurity
PARENTAL ROLE IN MATERNAL –INFANT
RELATIONSHIP
Peripartum influence
Supportive environment
Postpartum influences
Early skin to skin contact with mother
Early establishment of breast feeding
Early rooming in
Greater mother- baby interaction time in
early days
THE NEONATE
Physical parameters
Weight
Length
Head circumference
Behavior
vigor, alertness
Tone. Spontaneous
movements
Parents way of handling and
affection
Response to sound
THE NEONATE
Interactional abilities
Alert soon after birth
near sighted , focal length of 8 – 12 in
Hearing well developed, female voice
preference
Gazes back at the mother when she gazes
THE NEONATE
Arousal
To obtain feed
Feeling cold
Fever
Feeling wet
THE NEONATE
Behavioral states
Quiet sleep
Active sleep
Drowsy
Alert
Fussy
Crying
PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERACTION
Parents respond to cues from the infant