Chapter 10 Ch. 10: Physical Development & Health in Middle Childhood

Secular Trend in Physical Growth

A pattern showing that children today are generally taller and grow faster than previous generations, mainly due to better nutrition, healthcare, and living conditions.

Changes with Age in 3 Aspects of Brain Structure

Three major brain changes during middle childhood:

• Cortical surface area

• Cortical thickness

• White matter

Cortical surface area

increases, peaks around age 10

Cortical thickness

gradually decreases

White matter

increases, improving brain communication

Large-Scale Functional Neural Networks

Groups of connected brain regions that work together to support complex thinking, attention, and problem-solving. These networks become more efficient and organized with age.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by:

• Inattention (difficulty focusing, organizing)

• Hyperactivity/impulsivity (excess movement, interrupting)

Possible Deficits with ADHD

Children with ADHD may struggle with:

• Executive function (planning, self-control)

• Emotion regulation

• Delay aversion (difficulty waiting)

• State regulation (maintaining attention and energy levels)

ADHD Interventions

Ways to manage ADHD symptoms:

• Medication to improve focus and reduce impulsivity

• Behavioral therapy to improve self-control

• Psychotherapy to support emotional and social skills
  ➡ There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively.

Pediatric Inactivity Triad

A combination of three conditions that lead to low physical activity:

1. Exercise deficit disorder – not enough daily activity

2. Pediatric dynapenia – low muscle strength

3. Physical illiteracy – lack of motivation or confidence in movement

Exercise deficit disorder

not enough daily activity

Pediatric dynapenia

low muscle strength

Physical illiteracy

lack of motivation or confidence in movement

Myopia

Also called nearsightedness; a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry.
Caused by genetics and environmental factors, such as less time spent outdoors.

3 Primary Sources Children Use to Understand Illness

Children learn about illness through:

1. Intuitive biology – natural understanding of how living things work

2. Cultural learning – information from family and society

3. Science education – formal teaching in school

Intuitive biology

natural understanding of how living things work

Cultural learning

information from family and society

Science education

formal teaching in school

Leading Cause of Injuries and Death in Middle Childhood

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause, including:

• Falls

• Car accidents

• Being struck by objects

• Environmental hazards