Fetal Development and Substance Abuse

Fetal Development

• A substance that can hurt the fetus can affect brain stem development
• Blood flow and nutrients from the mother are essential for fetal development

Infant Development

• Reflexes are essential for the infant to orient their body in space
• Infants have a sucking reflex, which helps them feed and self-soothe
• Infants are able to move their arms and legs, and can lift their head while on their stomach
• Infants can recognize their mother's voice and have a strong instinct to cling to their caregivers

Emotional Regulation

• Infants experience emotions from birth, including joy, anger, and distress
• Infants are highly reactive and sensitive to their environment
• High reactivity is associated with greater emotional arousal and distress
• Mood regulation is critical for infant development and is influenced by caregiver interactions

Parent-Infant Interaction

• Infants look to their caregivers for comfort and reassurance
• Caregivers provide a sense of safety and security for infants
• Infants are highly attuned to their caregivers and can sense their emotions
• Parent-infant interaction is critical for developing emotional regulation and attachment

Social and Moral Development

• Infants as young as six months old can distinguish between right and wrong
• Children develop moral understanding through social interactions and learning from others
• Children begin to develop empathy and understand the perspectives of others
• Moral development is influenced by societal norms and expectations

Learning and Cognition

• Children are curious and motivated to learn and understand their environment
• Hands-on learning and exploration are essential for cognitive development
• Children develop complex thinking and problem-solving skills over time
• Learning is influenced by social and cultural factors
• Intelligence and cognitive development are shaped by multiple factors, including genetics and environment