Developmental Milestones Physical, Cognitive, Social,...

A1: Developmental milestones describe physical skills or behaviors observed in children as they grow and develop at certain ages.1 These milestones include physical (gross and fine motor), cognitive, social, emotional, language and nonverbal communication skills. To ensure that children meet these developmental milestones, parents, early childhood and school teachers, general practitioners and pediatricians use checklists as a guide to ensure that children are roughly â€Å"on track† for their age.2 Developmental milestones are useful to highlight any areas in which a child might be delayed as early detection and intervention is essential in minimizing the effects of developmental â€Å"hiccups†.3 An example of a developmental milestone is†¦show more content†¦Teratogens such as alcohol and tobacco could potentially affect normal fetal developmental causing developmental disorders and diseases.5,6 Pregnant women who drink alcohol put their child at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome. This is because alcohol can quickly cross the placenta, entering the fetal bloodstream. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a lifelong condition which significantly affects the development of a baby’s brain and central nervous system.7 The spectrum of this syndrome depends on the quantity of alcohol consumed during the period of pregnancy. Babies born with FAS may have some or all of the physical facial characteristics including a thin upper lip, smooth, wide philtrum and small eye openings depending on the period of exposure to alcohol. Since babies with FAS are usually born with low birth weight, some children may have defects in the heart or suffer anomalies to the ears, liver, eyes or joints.8 Many infants with FAS are diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder and Central Auditory Processing Disorder. The characteristic features of children with FAS are usually noticed when around school ag e when behavioral and learning difficulties become more evident. Most children who have fetal alcohol syndrome have problems with memory, attention, impulsivity, social relationships, poor judgment and have higher rates of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).9 These issues continue into adulthood resulting inShow MoreRelatedAutism Spectrum Disorder And Autism Essay1393 Words   |  6 Pagesa neurological disorder with many forms and severities, better known as autism spectrum disorder, that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout the individual’s life. Autism spectrum disorder is defined as developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges (CDC). Previously, autism was recognized in distinct groups and types. Now, autism is referred to as a spectrum because there is an overlap among all the different forms of autism and aRead MoreAutism Spectrum Disorder ( Asd ) Essay1651 Words   |  7 Pagesare conditio ns that become evident in early developmental stages before children are introduced to elementary school (APA, 2013). These disorders have developmental deficiencies that restrict children from â€Å"personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning† (APA, 2013, pp. 31). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, has been represented as a complex brain abnormality that effects children’s cognitive, behavioral, and social performance (APA, 2013; Sears, 2010). AutismRead MoreReal Play and Piaget Essay examples735 Words   |  3 Pagesto the importance of play for the healthy and full development of the young child. Piaget theorized that a childs mental models, or cognitive structures, are based on the childs activities: engagement makes meaning. 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