CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Stages of Prenatal Development *** COME BACK TO WITH BOOK

1. Germinal Stage (fertilization through 2 weeks gestation)

   • Develops…

     • Ectoderm: Outer layer - Forms external structures and nervous system (epidermis {skin, hair nails}, brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and tooth enamel

     • Mesoderm: Middle layer - Forms supportive, movement, and circulatory systems (muscles, bones, cartilage, blood vessels, heart, and urogenital system {kidneys and gonads})

     • Endoderm: Inner layer - Forms the epithelial linings of internal organs (within GI tract, respiratory tract, liver, pancreas, and thyroid gland)

2. Embryonic Stage (3rd week-8th week)

   • Rapid growth

   • Major body organs develop

   • Highest risk stage

3. Fetal Stage (9th week-birth)

What are the 4 Post-Natal development classifications and their appropriate timeline

1. Infant/Toddler : 0-3 years

2. Early Childhood : 3-6 years (pre K-K)

3. Middle Childhood : 6-12 years

4. Adolescence : 12-20 years

What 3 directions does development occur within?

1. head → toe

2. proximal → distal

3. flexion → extension

What are some factors that affect development?

• Socially

• Culturally

• Environmentally

• Cognitively

Theory 1: Neural Maturation Theory

Development is an intrinsic property of the child with development occurring in predetermined patterns

• Every kid develops around the same time and in the same order

Theory 2: Theories of Child Development

Cognitive view; Based off learning in the environment

• Includes Dynamic Systems Theory: Development as a sum of multilple influences

• Uses “transfers of skills” concept

  • Ex. Rolling → crawling

***Most pediatrics use this theory - Has replaced the Neural Maturation Theory***

Theory 3: Neural Group Selection Theory

Mix between environment & genetics;

• Primary variability of the nervous system

  • Development is occurring through motor experiences and output

• Secondary variability of the nervous system

  • Trial and error is one learning strategy used by the child to refine their movements and responses

• Balance between motor and nervous system

Up to what age are reflexes checked for typical child development?

Up to 1 year old

ATNR Reflex

Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex or “fencing reflex”