Domain Three - Influences On Development From Birth Through Adolescence

Question 1

Prenatal influences

Answer 1

Womb = first environment, significantly influenced by environment

Fetus is vulnerable to agents that can cause abnormalities known as teratogens (modify normal cell division so the potential danger to the embryo is greatest during the embryonic stage (2-8 weeks) when the infant’s body parts and major organs are forming

Common Teratogens:

1. Alcohol: mental retardation from fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), low birth weight, and unusual facial characteristics
2. Nicotine: miscarriage, low birth weight, poor respiratory functioning
3. Drugs: birth defects, premature births, low birth weight, neurological disturbances, high startle rate, learning disabilities, slowed motor development

** Mother’s age and nutritional care during pregnancy are also relevant to development

Question 2

Nutrition and Obesity

Answer 2

Only 1% of the population of children and adolescents follow all of the recommended dietary guidelines
Children in the US consume excess amounts of fat and sugar
Obesity and cardiac-respiratory problems are at an all time high
Overweight children often become overweight adults and risk health problems; obesity has many causes

Home environment influences much of what they eat, and minority and socioeconomically deprived children are more subject to deprived diet
BMI can be used to calculate body fat with weight and height

Question 3

Child Abuse and Neglect

Answer 3

Some causes:

Lack of parenting skills, economic stressors, lack of education, or adults repeating generational family abuse

Question 4

Warning Signs of Abuse

Answer 4

Four Categories: physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment

Reaction to abuse can be dependent on the child, experience, frequency, what’s done about it; must be allowed to work through whatever range of feelings they have surrounding it, but two most common emotions are anger and sadness

Common signs:

1. Physical abuse: bruises, sores, burns with a child’s vague or reluctant response about where they originated
2. Neglect: poor hygiene (soiled clothes, dirty hair, body odor), poor nutrition (excessive hunger or weight loss)
3. Sexual Abuse: age-inappropriate sexual behavior or knowledge, difficulty walking ro sitting, sudden onset of wetting, or inflicted self-harm

Question 5

Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Law

Answer 5

Child abuse is a state crime not a federal crime; 1963 - California became the first state to require reporting under law

1. If a child is physically injured by other than accidental means
2. If a child is subjected to willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment
3. If a child is abused or exploited sexually
4. If a child is neglected by a parent or caretaker who fails to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision

**teachers are mandated reporters - must not be absolutely certain, but have sufficient suspicions that there is cause to believe or suspect abuse - must be orally reported within 24 to 72 hours, followed by a detailed written report