child development

Question 1

what is child development

Answer 1

global impression of a child which encompasses growth, increase in
understanding, acquisition of new skills and more sophisticated responses and behaviour.

evolves from helpless infancy to independent adult

Question 2

Four developmental fields are:

Answer 2

1) gross motor and posture
2) fine motor and vison
3) language and hearing
4) social, emotional and behaviours.

Question 3

Developmental progress depends on

Answer 3

interplay between biological and environmental

influences; following a constant pattern,

Question 4

LOOK AT THE KEY MILESTONES

Answer 4

LOOK AT THE KEY MILESTONES

Question 5

why are Primitive reflexes important

Answer 5

protective and have a survival value.

They promote proper orientation
and postural support

Question 6

give examples of primitive reflexes

Answer 6

stepping, moro, grasp, asymmetric tonic reflex, rooting.

Question 7

when should primitive reflexes appear and disappear

Answer 7

all during 4-6 months

abnormal if they are not present at birth

and if they persist
after 6 months.

Question 8

what are Limit ages

Answer 8

the age by which key performance skills (milestones) should have achieved (2SD from mean)

Question 9

Developmental progress can be monitored or identified through

Answer 9

lopmental screening or by the use of standardised developmental tools

Question 10

Abnormal development refers to…

Answer 10

the slow acquisition of skills

Question 11

Abnormal development follows three main

patterns

Answer 11

slow but steady

plateau (good progression which then stops)

regression (loss of
skills previously acquired).

Question 12

define Consonant delay

Answer 12

all domains affected to same extent

Question 13

define dissonant delay

Answer 13

domains affected

to different extent

Question 14

name some biological factors that impact development

Answer 14

folate deficiency can impact development by increasing the risk of neural tube defects.

Question 15

what can Global developmental delay be caused by

Answer 15

down’s syndrome
FAS
meningitis
trauma

Question 16

what can delays in talking be caused by

Answer 16

stammering
hearing deficit
maturation delay environmental factors

Question 17

what can delay in walking be caused by

Answer 17

maturation delay, severe learning disabilities, cerebral palsy

Question 18

Children may present with developmental defects via what routes

Answer 18

Identification of antenatal or postnatal risk factors

Developmental screening

Concerns raised by parents or other healthcare professionals

Question 19

important history considerations for developmental delay

Answer 19

Antenatal- illnesses/ infections; medications; drugs

Birth- premature; prolonged/ complicated labour

Postnatal- illness/infections; trauma

Consanguinity- increases chances or chromosomal and recessive conditions

Developmental milestones from parent

Question 20

important examination considerations for developmental delay

Answer 20

Growth parameters- height, weight, head circumference

Dysmorphic features

Neurological examination and skin

Systems examination to identify associations, syndromes

Standardised developmental assessments- SOGSII, Griffiths, Denver

Question 21

what professionals need to be part of an MDT for patients with developmental delay

Answer 21

paediatrician, specialist health visitors, speech

and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologist

Question 22

define Autism

Answer 22

Neurobiological disorder characterised by qualitative impairment of social interaction and
communication

Question 23

what behaviours do people with autism tend to posses

Answer 23

restricted, repetitive and stereotypical patterns of behaviours,
interests and activities.

Question 24

gender difference in autism

Answer 24

Higher prevalence in boys than girls and

usually presents between 2-4 years.

Question 25

Features of include:

Answer 25

impaired social interaction

speech and language disorder

imposition of routines with ritualistic and repetitive behaviour

Question 26

Comorbidities of autism include

Answer 26

learning and attention difficulties, and epilepsy

Question 27

what are diagnostic criteria for ADHD

Answer 27

inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity lasting <6 months and
commencing < 7 years;

inconsistent with child’s developmental level

Question 28

risk factors for ADHD

Answer 28

neurological disorder
1st degree relative with 
family member with depression
learning disability
antisocial personality and substance abuse.

Question 29

risk factors for ADHD

Answer 29

neurological disorder
1st degree relative with 
family member with depression
learning disability
antisocial personality and substance abuse.

Question 30

A significant proportion of children with ADHD will become adults with…..

Answer 30

antisocial personality

increased incidence of criminal behaviour and substance abuse.

Question 31

what is Cerebral palsy

Answer 31

A disorder of movement and posture arising from a non-progressive lesion of the brain acquired before the age of 2 years.

Question 32

management of cerebral pasly

Answer 32

Aim is to minimise spasticity and manage associated problems

Question 33

management

Answer 33

look at diagram on medlearn

Question 34

management of ADHD

Answer 34

Psychotherapy
Family therapy
Drugs – (Ritalin),
Diet – exclusion of certain foods e.g food colouring

Question 35

causes of learning disability

Answer 35

chromosome disorders
postnatal cerebral insults
metabolic or degenerative diseases

Question 36

causes of learning diability

Answer 36

chromosome disorders
postnatal cerebral insults
metabolic or degenerative diseases

Question 37

what do patients with learning disability present with

Answer 37

reduced intellectual functioning, delay in early milestones, dysmorphic features, ± associated problems (epilepsy, sensory impairment, ADHD)

Question 38

Management of learning disabilities

Answer 38

Involves establishing a diagnosis and input from the multidisciplinary team with long term follow up.