Human Development Milestones (RS 3320)

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Examples of pediatric occupational therapy's Frame of Reference can demonstrate developmental theory applications.
• Key stages of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development should be understood in human development.
• Biological systems, socio-cultural factors, and physical contexts significantly influence a child's development of play.

Developmental Disabilities

• Important areas of human development must be comprehended for commenting on individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Developmental stages are typically universal, though variations may exist due to cultural contexts.

Developmental Milestones by Age

• 0-3 Months: Raised head, opens and shuts hands, brings hands to mouth.
• 3-6 Months: Rolls both ways, sits with support, begins transferring objects between hands.
• 6-9 Months: Begins crawling, sits independently, and plays with toys.
• 9-12 Months: Pulls self to stand and takes steps while holding onto furniture.
• 12-18 Months: Walks alone, carries toys while walking.
• 18-24 Months: May run and walk up steps with support.
• 24-36 Months: Begins to jump, kick a ball, and climb on furniture.
• 36-48 Months: Walks with ease, throws a ball overhand, and performs hopping.
• 48-60 Months: Stands on one foot for an extended period and may skip.

Motor Development Principles

• Proximal to Distal Principle: Development starts from the trunk (proximal) and moves toward extremities (distal).
• Gross to Fine Motor Skills: Transition from gross motor activities (large movements) to fine motor skills (small, precise actions).

Reflexes and Their Functions

• Parachute Reflex: Emerges around 6-9 months; arms extend as a defensive mechanism to protect when falling.

Cognitive Development Milestones

• 0-5 Months: Follows moving objects, smiles at reflection, reacts to auditory stimulation—key signs of cognitive engagement.
• 6-12 Months: Begins to imitate and respond vocally; starts understanding simple commands.
• 12-36 Months: Expanding vocabulary, counting ability, and participation in pretend play; crucial in cognitive growth.

Gross Motor Skills Development

• 0-3 Months: Basic actions like stretching and opening hands.
• 3-6 Months: Increased movement and control; starting to pivot and sit with support.
• 6-12 Months: Progression to independent sitting, standing, and initial walking.
• 12-60 Months: Rapid development of walking, running, jumping, and climbing; significant motor coordination improvements.

Fine Motor Development Milestones

• Reaching (0-12 Months): Progression from staring at hands to reaching for objects with one hand for stabilization.
• Grasping (4-12 Months): Evolution from ulnar grasp to fine pincer grasp, reflecting increasing dexterity and manipulation skills.
• Release (7 Months): Ability to release objects on surfaces develops with assistance.

Recognizing Early Motor Delays

• Early identification of motor delays is crucial for timely intervention; can be signaled as early as 2 to 6 months.### Eye-Hand Coordination
• Development spans from 0-60 months, indicating progressive skill refinement.
• Key milestones include various release techniques above small and large containers.
• Skills transition from rough releases to accurate control over time.

Bilateral Coordination

• Evolves from basic stabilization (3-5 months) to complex asymmetrical coordination (24-36 months).
• Develops through stages:
  • One hand stabilizes while the other manipulates (12-24 months).
  • Reciprocal movements emerge, facilitating advanced tasks like wringing a towel.
• Transition from pushing/pulling movements (2-4 months) to coordinated multi-hand activities.

In-Hand Manipulation

• Key skills develop between ages 2-4:
  • Translation between finger and palm.
  • Shifting and rotation of objects for better control.
• Fine motor skills are essential for daily tasks and activities.

Sensory Development

• Influences include visual, auditory, olfactory, taste, proprioception, and vestibular senses.
• Critical periods for sensory development lead to neuroplasticity.
• Sensory experiences shape body scheme and control as children engage with their environment.

Cognitive Development

• Milestones observed include:
  • Recognition and reproduction of shapes, letters, and numbers (around age 60 months).
  • Ability to distinguish between real events and make-believe.

Social-Emotional Development

• Initial communication relies on crying and social smiles (0-3 months).
• Progresses to expression of emotions like pleasure and fear (4-8 months).
• By 18 months, children develop a sense of self and begin to assert independence.

Developmental Milestones Overview

• Newborn: Establishes bonding and self-regulation.
• 2 Months: Forms attachment through social smiles.
• 4 Months: Engages in turn-taking during interactions.
• 6-12 Months: Expresses a spectrum of emotions and begins exploring independently.
• 2-5 Years: Skills evolve from testing limits and tantrums (2 years) to cooperative play and rule-following games by age 5.

Practical Implications

• Understanding these stages is vital for tracking child development and identifying potential delays.
• Awareness of sensory integration importance aids in guiding effective parenting and educational strategies.