Developmental Milestones Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the two directional patterns of motor development in infants?
- Cephalo-caudal (head to toe) and proximo-distal (centre to extremities).
- These patterns reflect how control develops first in the head and torso before the limbs and fingers.
What are typical gross motor milestones from birth to 30 months?
• 1–4 months: Reflexive movements, lifts head when prone, sits with support
• 5–9 months: Sits without support
• 5–10 months: Pulls to stand
• 5–11 months: Crawls
• 10–17 months: Stands and walks independently
• 18–30 months: Runs and jumps
What are typical fine motor milestones in the first year?
• 2 months: Briefly holds objects
• 3–4 months: Reaches for objects, brings to mouth
• 4–5 months: Transfers objects between hands
• 5–6 months: Bangs objects together
• 6–8 months: Grasps, manipulates, uses thumb-finger grasp
• 10–12 months: Uses refined pincer grip (thumb and forefinger)
What factors influence motor development in infants?
- Environmental stimuli, caregiver interaction, intrinsic motivation, and personality.
- These shape how and when motor skills emerge.
How does visual perception develop in infants?
• 0–4 months: Poor eye coordination, focus limited to 15–25 cm, sensitive only to high contrast (black, white, red)
• 5–8 months: Depth perception and color vision develop
• 9–12 months: Improved distance judgment, supporting mobility
How does auditory perception develop in infancy?
• Prenatal: Inner ear fully developed by third trimester
• Newborns: Respond to sound, prefer mother’s voice and organized sounds (e.g., music, speech)
• Hearing is tested at birth using EOAE or behavioral methods like rattles
What are Piaget’s four stages of cognitive development?
- Sensorimotor (0–2 yrs): Understands world through senses and actions; lacks mental representation
- Preoperational (2–6 yrs): Uses language/images; lacks logical operations
- Concrete Operational (7–12 yrs): Logical thinking about concrete events
- Formal Operational (12+ yrs): Abstract and logical reasoning
What is object permanence and when does it develop?
The understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight. Typically develops by the end of the sensorimotor stage (~2 years). Linked to separation anxiety and motor exploration.
What is egocentric thinking in child development?
The inability to adopt another person’s perspective. Common in the preoperational stage (2–6 years) and typically diminishes around age 7. Children assume others share their sensory experiences and preferences.
Why is there such wide variability in developmental milestones?
Development is influenced by genetics, environment, motivation, and personality. Children may reach milestones at different times without any long-term differences or complications.
What is the significance of the ‘baby race’ metaphor in development?
It illustrates how parents often compare developmental timelines, but such comparisons are usually unhelpful. There is a broad range of normal development, and early achievement doesn’t predict long-term outcomes.
When should developmental delays be assessed?
When a child consistently misses major milestones or shows significant delays in motor, language, or cognitive development. This may indicate underlying medical, neurological, or developmental conditions.
What are common interventions for developmental delays?
• Physical therapy: Supports gross motor development
• Occupational therapy: Enhances fine motor and daily living skills
• Speech therapy: Improves expressive and receptive language, builds confidence
How are infants and toddlers assessed despite limited communication?
Through creative behavioural assessments, similar to those used in animal research. Observations of responses to stimuli help infer sensory and cognitive abilities.
What are some reasons a toddler might not respond to their name?
Possible hearing impairment, social development differences (e.g., autism), or simply disinterest. Hearing tests are often the first step in assessment.
