Child Growth and Development

Question 1

define child development

Answer 1

Child development entails the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the conclusion of adolescence, as the individual progresses from dependency to increasing autonomy

Question 2

List the developmental domains

Answer 2

Speech and language and hearing
Social, emotional and behaviour skills
Gross motor skills and posture
Fine motor skills and vision

Question 3

What should be assessed in examination of child development

Answer 3

Growth parameters – height, weight and head circumference
Dysmorphic features
Neurological examination and skin
Systems examination to identify associations, syndromes
Standardised developmental assessment – SOGSII, Griffiths

Question 4

What are the key milestones in childhood development

Answer 4

Cognitive - learning and problem solving
Social and emotional - interacting with others
Speech and language - comprehending language and speaking
fine motor skills - using small muscles to pick up and hold
gross motor skills
Using large muscles to sit, walk and move

Question 5

Give examples of screening questionnaires used in developmental screening

Answer 5

the ages and stages questionnaire (ASQ)
the parents ’ evaluation of developmental status (PEDS)
modified checklist for autism in toddlers (M-CHAT)

Question 6

What is the benefit of screening questionnaires in developmental screening

Answer 6

help focus the consultation and increase the confidence of primary care practitioners in their referral decisions.

Question 7

Give examples of standardised tests in developmental screening

Answer 7

Schedule of Growing Skills (II)
Griffiths developmental scale
Bailey developmental scale
Denver developmental screening test

Question 8

Describe the Denver developmental screening test

Answer 8

“pass or fail” results in the four major developmental fields, and the schedule of growing skills II

Question 9

What is the role of the MDT in child development

Answer 9

the many professionals who may be involved in the care of children with developmental problems

referral to members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) would help identify problems and target input.

Question 10

What does developmental delay mean

Answer 10

there is a plateau or regression in the developmental milestones, meaning baby doesn’t reach the levels it should

Question 11

Give some common behaviours of developmental problems

Answer 11

sleep onset/night waking
Eating and toileting can all be altered
Can have specific learning difficulties

Question 12

What are the different types of developmental delay

Answer 12

Global and significant

Question 13

What is global developmental delay

Answer 13

a significant delay in two or more of the four main developmental domains

Question 14

What is significant developmental delay

Answer 14

2 or more SD below the mean on age appropriate norm-referenced testing

Question 15

Give examples of causes of global delay

Answer 15

Chromosomal abnormalities (down’s syndrome)
Metabolic (hypothyroidism)
Antenatal/perinatal (infections, toxins, drugs, folate deficiency)
Environmental-social issues
Chronic illnesses

Question 16

Give an example of a cause of motor delay

Answer 16

Cerebral palsy
Global delay eg Down’s syndrome
Congenital dislocation hip
Social deprivation
Muscular dystrophy-Duchenne’s
Neural tube defects: spina bifida
Hydrocephalus

Question 17

Give an example of a cause of language delay

Answer 17

Hearing loss
Learning disability
Autistic spectrum disorder
Lack of stimulation
Impaired comprehension of language

Question 18

What is autism characterised by

Answer 18

marked difficulties in behaviour, social interaction, communicationand sensory sensitivities.

Question 19

What is ADHD defined by

Answer 19

symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Classification depends on the relative contribution of each feature

Question 20

Give some signs of autism

Answer 20

Unusual behaviour due to difficulties responding to environment
Inability to relate to others 
Hyperactivity or passiveness
Obersensitive to sound
Inappropriate laughing or crying
Poor speech or lack of speech 
Difficulty dealing with routine changes
Intense/focused interests
Lack of danger awareness

Question 21

What does ADHD stand for

Answer 21

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder