How to Use This Guide

How to use this Guide:

This guide to child development from birth to 6 years is presented in a bulleted format by Age and by Skill Area. To switch between the two formats, return to the Home page. In addition, each behavior is referenced and most have a corresponding photo identified by a number. For example, the photo number 9-10m.15 refers to the 15^th photo in the 9-10-month group.

As we consider development by Age, it is important that we do not overemphasize age-related milestones. Acquisition of skills often follows a developmental sequence; however, it is important to consider an age range when discussing typicality. For example, studies identifying the mean age of independent ambulation cited in this document range from 11.9 months to 14 months; however, the typical age range may be 9-18 months. In addition, what defines “independent ambulation” may vary by study, such as the number of steps taken, arm swing, stride length, or the ability to shift direction. We must also keep in mind that many of our studies on skill acquisition in early development are culturally biased and are more than 10 years old.

The purpose of presenting skill acquisition by Skill Area is to shift our observation to the relationship of behaviors within and between skill areas. For example, rotational and diagonal movement patterns are observed in a child’s gross motor development as they rotate around the body axis from 4-point (hand and knees) to side-sitting, in fine motor development, as they develop the ability to cup objects in the palm and use the thumb in opposition, and in oral motor development, as they learn to chew with rotary jaw movements.

In summary, children develop at their own pace and may develop more quickly, or more slowly, in one area or another based on their interests and the physical and social environment’s influence on their development. This resource is simply a guide to development and use of the term "typical" is not intended to deny or diminish the importance of respecting neurodiversity.

I hope you find this guide useful!

Barb

barb.brockevelt@usd.edu