Developmental Milestones

Question 1

Five regions of a baby’s brain

Answer 1

Cerebrum: the largest part of the brain, responsible for thought, feelings, memories. In this area is the cerebral cortex which include the frontal and temporal lobes.
Cerebellum: in charge of motor control
Brain stem: this controls the vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, blood pressure.
Pituitary gland: this pea-sized gland releases hormones through the body which promote growth and regulate the baby’s metabolism.
Hypothalamus: this part is in charge of body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep and emotions.

Question 2

Foetal Brain Development Phases

Answer 2

Four weeks after conception, the neural plate forms (it’s the foundation of the baby’s brain and spinal cord), then it folds on itself to form the neural tube.
Week 7 of pregnancy, brain and face grow; the neural tube continues to grow, curve and bulge until three regions called forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain will form, with the spinal cord behind the hindbrain. (week 6 = first unorganised synapses)
Second trimester (brain sends impulse to muscles to contract to breathe and first impulses (e.g. sucking) start
Third trimester: the brain becomes less smooth and more grooved and develops quickly while the baby’s weight almost triples
Birth: the brain’s structure resembles the adult brain but lots of development will take place from here, in response to the environment.

Question 3

Brain development after birth phases

Answer 3

First year: the cerebellum develops allowing baby’s balance and movement control. Interaction and responding to baby’s need help connection of brain cells.
Second year: neural connection forming in the limbic system allow to control emotions. A strong bond with caregiver can help them to start regulating their emotions.
Third year: the limbic system connects to the cerebral cortex (thinking part of the brain, which allows talking, holding memories and paying attention), helping them to form connection with others.
In early years our brain is build over time based on our experiences. One million new connection are made every second.

Question 4

Environmental factors that affect development (SEEP-C)

Answer 4

• Social environment (relationships with others)
• Emotional environment (how primary carers meet the child’s needs at home)
• Economic environment (the family’s ability to provide financially for the child)
• Physical environment (for example exposure to harmful substances)
• Cultural environment (habits, gender expectations, level of activity/screens)

Question 5

How experiences can shape brain development

Answer 5

Serve and return interactions: eye contact, touch, singing, simple games. They promote brain development
Positive stress: making new experiences, meeting new people, learning, having diverse experiences. This helps to cope with future changes and challenges.
Toxic stress: serious issues can damage brain structure and lead to increased risk of health problems.

Question 6

Neurodiversity

Answer 6

This term indicates that how a person’s brain work and how they think. Interact and behave can vary from one person to another.

There are many cognitive differences and disabilities such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, OCD, Tourette that need to be acknowledged and accommodated.

Practitioners can’t diagnose but can observe and recognise possible signs. We shouldn’t fix but rather implement strategies to support.

Challenging behaviour does not define them, possible trigger should be identified and avoid shaming.

Question 7

Difference between Self-control and Self-regulation

Answer 7

Self-control means preventing strong emotions
Self-regulation is about learning how to manage impulses and stress, bounce back, focus and regulate.
Therefore, self-regulation skills improve self-control.

Question 8

How to promote and develop self-regulation

Answer 8

• Providing a nurturing environment
• Tuning in to a child’s reaction
• Include reflection, planning, talking
• Provide imaginary play, storytelling, songs games, matching, sorting, puzzles, cooking, etc. because these activities support sequencing, rules and using methods.

Question 9

Executive functions

Answer 9

Functions of our brain that allow us to communicate, move, being creative, independent, logical, having special awareness and social skills. If they are developed effectively, the child can develop holistically and grow into a balanced member of society.
Three executive functions:
Cognitive flexibility: ability to switch between tasks and concepts, coping with transitions
Working memory: learn, retain and categorise concepts, making connections. It’s the starting point for long-term memory and it’s crucial for creative thinking
Inhibitory control: the ability to anticipate the outcome of our actions and act upon the consequences we expect. Over time, it leads to control own impulses.

Question 10

The impact of SES on development

Answer 10

Impact on cognitive/language dev: If a child has been exposed to a variety of concepts and experiences, they will more able to understand complex information and make connection. Family with a high SES can afford a more comprehensive education program. Children from lower SES families might have less rich vocabulary, not have someone who models critical thinking, or even not receiving adequate nutrition (affects physical development and concentration/learning)

Impact on emotional development: children from lower SES family can be affected by familial stress over finances, parental stress from long working hours. Higher risk to experience anxiety and stress. Sometimes this leads to challenging behaviour because child can’t express themselves with words.

Question 11

Importance of healthy lifestyle during pregnancy

Answer 11

• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes as they can impair formation of brain cells (alcohol can lead to lower IQ, poor cognitive skills, attention deficit; nicotine reduces blood flow and nutrition to the baby as constricts vessels)
• Reducing exposure to toxins such as cleaning supply, pollutants
• Minimise risk of infections such as chickenpox, measles, toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus
• Consuming choline (found in eggs lover and beef) to prevent possible issues in baby’s development
• Reducing stress can have benefit baby’s brain development and neural connectivity.
• Talking to the baby can lay foundation for their social and emotional development and memory skills.