02 Growth and Development in Childhood and Adolescence Free Online FlashCards

How do growth and development differ?

Growth is a measurable increase in body size; development is the progressive acquisition of physical, cognitive, language, emotional, and social abilities.

What do cephalocaudal and proximodistal development describe?

Cephalocaudal control develops from head to toe, while proximodistal control develops from the body’s center outward.

How should developmental milestones be used?

Milestones are skills most children can perform by a particular age. They guide developmental surveillance but are not a diagnosis or rigid timetable.

Why assess a child’s growth pattern over time?

Interpret accurate measurements as a pattern over time, not as a single number. Growth charts support assessment but are not diagnostic by themselves.

Which growth charts are recommended by age in U.S. practice?

CDC recommends WHO growth standards from birth to age 2, then CDC growth charts from age 2 onward.

Which body measurements are tracked before and after age 2?

Under age 2, track weight, recumbent length, and head circumference. From age 2 onward, track standing height and weight.

What is developmental surveillance?

Developmental surveillance is ongoing discussion and observation, including caregiver concerns and the child’s history, behavior, play, and skills.

What is the purpose of developmental screening?

Developmental screening uses a standardized, validated tool to identify children who may need further evaluation; screening is not a diagnosis.

At what ages does AAP recommend general developmental screening?

AAP-recommended general developmental screening occurs at 9, 18, and 30 months.

At what ages does AAP recommend autism-specific screening?

AAP-recommended autism-specific screening occurs at 18 and 24 months.

What should follow a missed milestone or loss of skills?

If a child is not meeting milestones or loses previously acquired skills, discuss the concern promptly, arrange appropriate evaluation, and refer to early-intervention services when indicated.

What sources of information contribute to developmental assessment?

Assessment combines caregiver report, observation, physical examination, and appropriate screening. It considers multiple developmental skills and the child’s functioning across settings.