Typical And Atypical Development Among Children - Middle

Childhood (9-11 Years) - Adolescence (12-18 Years

(CHAPTER 8)
BTVTED
HEMONICA LAGUA
JONELL SALVADOR
MAYCHELLE LAYDA

Typical Development:
Typical development refers to the patterns of growth, behavior, and milestones that are commonly observed in
most children within a certain age group. These developmental norms are based on general expectations of what
most children can do or achieve at a specific age.
Atypical development refers to deviations from the typical patterns of development. It encompasses a wide
range of conditions, disorders, or delays that affect a child's growth, behavior, or achievement of developmental
milestones.
Domains
Physical development refers to the growth and changes that occur in the body and its systems over time. It
encompasses various aspects such as gross motor skills, fine motor skills, sensory development, and changes in
body size and proportions
Cognitive development refers to the growth and maturation of mental processes and abilities, including
perception, memory, problem-solving, reasoning, and language. It encompasses the way individuals think,
understand, and make sense of the world around them. Cognitive development is a complex and multifaceted
process that unfolds over time, influenced by both biological and environmental factors.
Social and emotional development refers to the growth and maturation of a person's ability to understand and
manage their emotions, form and maintain relationships, and navigate social interactions effectively. It
encompasses various aspects of emotional regulation, self-awareness, empathy, social skills, and the
establishment of meaningful connections with others.

Middle Childhood (9-11 years):

Typical Development:
Physical Development:
Continued growth spurts, especially for girls: During middle childhood, children continue to grow at a steady
but slower pace compared to infancy and early childhood. Girls may experience growth spurts associated with
the onset of puberty, leading to increases in height and weight.
Fine and gross motor skills become more refined: As children engage in various physical activities and
sports, their motor skills continue to improve. They gain better control over movements such as running,
jumping, throwing, and catching.
Cognitive Development:
Improved problem-solving skills: Children in middle childhood demonstrate advancements in their ability to
solve problems and think critically. They become more adept at applying logical reasoning and systematic
approaches to tackle challenges.
Increased attention span and memory capacity: With maturation of the brain, children develop longer
attention spans and enhanced memory capabilities. They can sustain focus for longer periods and retain and
recall information more effectively.
Development of concrete operational thinking (Piaget): According to Piaget, children in middle childhood
enter the concrete operational stage, where they exhibit logical reasoning abilities and can understand concepts
such as conservation, classification, and seriation.
Social and Emotional Development:
Formation of deeper friendships based on shared interests: Children in middle childhood develop more
stable and meaningful friendships with peers who share similar interests and activities. They begin to value
loyalty, trust, and mutual understanding in their relationships.
Increased empathy and understanding of others' perspectives: With growing social experiences, children
become more empathetic and considerate of others' feelings and viewpoints. They learn to take the perspective
of others and show compassion and support.
Growing independence from parents and reliance on peer groups: Middle childhood is characterized by a
gradual shift towards independence from parental authority. Children rely more on peer groups for social
support, validation, and companionship.
Atypical Development:
Physical Development:
Significant delays in growth or puberty: Some children may experience delays in physical growth or the
onset of puberty, which could indicate underlying health issues or hormonal imbalances.
Motor coordination difficulties (Developmental Coordination Disorder): Children with developmental
coordination disorder may struggle with coordination and motor skills, impacting their ability to perform
everyday tasks such as dressing, writing, or participating in sports.
Cognitive Development:
Struggles with academic tasks, particularly in reading or mathematics: Children who experience learning
difficulties or specific learning disorders may struggle with academic tasks such as reading, writing, or math,
despite normal intelligence levels.
Persistent difficulty with attention and focus (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): ADHD is
characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can significantly impair a child's
academic performance and social functioning.
Social and Emotional Development:
Difficulty forming friendships or maintaining social relationships: Some children may have difficulty
initiating or sustaining friendships due to social skills deficits, shyness, or social anxiety.
Persistent aggression or extreme shyness: Children who exhibit persistent aggression or extreme shyness may
struggle with social interactions and have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviors in social situations.
Adolescence (12-18 years):
Typical Development:
Physical Development:
Puberty begins, marked by rapid physical changes such as growth spurts, voice deepening (in males), and
menstruation (in females): Adolescents experience significant physical changes as they enter puberty,
including growth spurts, changes in body composition, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
Sexual maturation and development of secondary sexual characteristics: Adolescents undergo sexual
maturation, including the development of breasts and hips in females and the deepening of the voice and growth
of facial hair in males.
Cognitive Development:
Abstract thinking and hypothetical reasoning abilities develop (Piaget's formal operational stage):
Adolescents enter Piaget's formal operational stage, where they demonstrate advanced cognitive abilities such
as abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and the ability to think critically about complex concepts.
Increased ability to think critically and reflect on one's own thoughts and actions: Adolescents develop the
capacity for introspection and self-reflection, allowing them to evaluate their beliefs, values, and behaviors
more critically.
Social and Emotional Development:
Exploration of identity and values: Adolescents engage in a process of identity exploration, questioning and
experimenting with different aspects of their identity, including values, beliefs, interests, and aspirations.
Formation of more intimate and complex romantic relationships: Adolescents begin to explore romantic
relationships characterized by deeper emotional connections, intimacy, and mutual respect.
Increased independence from parents and establishment of autonomy: Adolescents strive for greater
autonomy and independence from parental authority, asserting their individuality and making decisions about
their own lives.
Atypical Development:
Physical Development:
Severely delayed or abnormal physical changes associated with puberty: Some adolescents may experience
delays or abnormalities in pubertal development, which could be indicative of underlying health conditions or
hormonal imbalances.
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia: Adolescents may develop eating disorders
characterized by distorted body image, unhealthy eating behaviors, and excessive preoccupation with weight
and food intake.
Cognitive Development:
Learning disabilities that persist or become more apparent: Adolescents with learning disabilities may
continue to struggle with academic tasks despite interventions, accommodations, or support services.
Development of mental health disorders like depression or anxiety: Adolescence is a vulnerable period for
the onset of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or mood disorders, which can significantly
impact cognitive functioning and emotional well-being.
Social and Emotional Development:
Difficulty with social skills or peer relationships: Adolescents may experience challenges in forming and
maintaining friendships, navigating social interactions, or understanding social cues.
Substance abuse or risky behaviors: Some adolescents may engage in substance abuse or risky behaviors
such as experimentation with drugs or alcohol, which can have detrimental effects on their social, emotional,
and physical well-being.
Identity crises or confusion regarding sexual orientation or gender identity: Adolescents may struggle with
questions of identity related to sexual orientation or gender identity, facing societal pressures, stigma, or
discrimination.