CHILD DEVELOPMENT
A continuous process of reaching maturity
with increase in function and skills
Orderly and predictable
Cephalocaudal manner & proximodistal
pattern
From generalized reflexes and to discrete
voluntary actions
What are the four major domains
Gross motor
Fine motor/ visual-motor problem solivng (cognitive)
Speech and language
Social-emotional adaptive
Easiest to observe because many skills emerge quickly
Gross motor
Newborns: little voluntary motor ability; movements controlled by
primitive reflexes
NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION in Motor Development
Includes:
Developmental history
Direct observation of current motor skills
Standard neurological exam (primitive reflexes, postural reactions)
Key Observations:
-Infant’s posture at rest
-Symmetry and range of spontaneous movements
-Tone and reflexes
automatic movement patterns present before birth, usually disappear by 3-6 months
Role: give extra information about the infant’
s nervous system
and motor development
Primitive reflexes
Key Points:
Each reflex has a specific quality and timing.
Should fade as voluntary movements develop
If reflexes persists past 6 months, it’s abnormal and may signal motor disorders.
