Child development

Question 1

Outline development in the new-born

Answer 1

• Nerve cells are present but in an undeveloped state
• Growth& development occurs in an experience dependent way e.g amblyopia
• Perceptual/motor development-initially limited repertoire but rapid& orderly development

Question 2

List the pre-natal risk factors in brain development

Answer 2

• Maternal health
• Infection, TORCH;aids
• Maternal substance misuse
• Maternal age
• Maternal mental health
• Environmental toxins

Question 3

List the post-natal risk factors in brain development

Answer 3

• Birth complications
• CNS infection
• Nutrition
• Socio-economic
• Environmental toxins

Question 4

Describe the prenatal effects to brain development

Answer 4

1. ) Induction( dorsal) weeks 3-4
   - Myelomeningocele( spina bifida). Failure of closure of the spinal cord. Arises from genetic or nutritional. Results in motor& perceptual deficits
2. )Induction(ventral) weeks 5-6
   - Holoprescencephaly. Failure to form 2 hemispheres. Often genetic origin. Usually incompatible with life
3. )Proliferation 2-5 months
   - Microencephaly, Early cessation of cell division—>abnormally small head. Genetic or trauma factors eg infection, fetal alcohol syndrome. Associated with low intellectual abilities

Question 5

Outline the 5 stages of language development

Answer 5

1. ) preverbal communication
2. ) Phonological development
3. ) Semantic development
4. ) Syntax& grammar development
5. ) Pragmatics development

Question 6

Outline the different types of learning

Answer 6

1. ) Classical conditioning:
   - behaviours acquired through the process of associative learning between 2 stimuli
   - Pavlov’s dogs
2. ) Operant conditioning:
   - Behaviours acquired through the process of positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, or punishment

Question 7

What are the 4 key concepts of developing cognitive thinking skills?

Answer 7

1. ) Scheme: internal cognitive structure which provides procedure to use in specific circumstances
2. ) Assimilation: process of using scheme to make sense of event or experience
3. ) Accomodation: Changing scheme as result of new info
4. ) Equilibrium: process of balancing assimilation & accomodation to create schemes that fit the environment

Question 8

What are the 4 stages of developing cognitive thinking skills?

Answer 8

1. ) Sensorimotor(0-2yrs)
2. ) Preoperational(2-6/7yrs)
3. ) Concrete operations(6/7-11/12yrs)
4. ) Formal operations(11/12yrs+)

Question 9

When is the critical period of attachment

Answer 9

6 months-2 years