I&CD Chapter 11

Middle Childhood

Developmental period from about ages 6–11 marked by slow, steady physical growth and increasing independence.

Healthy Time

Description of middle childhood as the period with the lowest death rate and generally good health.

Slow and Steady Growth

Pattern in middle childhood where children gain about 2 inches and 5 pounds per year.

Common Health Issues

Minor physical or neurological conditions such as allergies, asthma, stuttering, Tourette’s syndrome, and vision problems.

Asthma

A chronic respiratory condition common in middle childhood, influenced by genetics and environment.

Childhood Obesity

Excess body fat in children influenced by diet, physical activity, and environmental systems.

Dynamic Systems Approach

Perspective that obesity results from interactions among biology, behavior, environment, and culture.

Physical Activity

Bodily movement that improves health and supports brain development; recommended minimum is one hour per day.

Embodied Cognition

The idea that physical movement enhances cognitive functioning and brain development.

Motor Development (Middle Childhood)

Continued refinement of gross and fine motor skills that supports academics, sports, and arts.

Neurodiversity

The view that neurological differences are natural variations with strengths and weaknesses.

Aptitude

A person’s potential to learn or develop skills.

Achievement

What a person has actually learned or mastered.

IQ (Intelligence Quotient)

A standardized score intended to measure general intelligence.

General Intelligence (g)

A single underlying cognitive ability thought to influence performance across tasks.

Intellectual Disability Disorder (IDD)

Significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.

Plasticity

The brain’s ability to change in response to experience and learning.

Flynn Effect

The observed rise in average IQ scores over generations.

Multiple Intelligences

Theory proposed by Howard Gardner that intelligence consists of distinct abilities rather than a single factor.

ADHD

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Specific Learning Disorder

Difficulty learning academic skills such as reading, writing, or math despite normal intelligence.

Dyslexia

A specific learning disorder involving difficulty with reading.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication and behavior.

Comorbidity

The presence of more than one disorder at the same time.

Premorbid

Characteristics or conditions present before the onset of a disorder.

Multifinality

The idea that the same risk factor can lead to different outcomes.

Equifinality

The idea that different factors can lead to the same outcome.

Gifted and Talented

Children with exceptional abilities or potential in one or more domains.

Special Education

Educational services designed to meet the needs of children with disabilities.

Early Intervention

Support services provided early to reduce long-term developmental difficulties.