Children’s development and developmental delays. Principles of early identification

A training module for healthcare professionals

A 5 y.o girl with disability smiles while sitting on her mother's lap
UNICEF Armenia/2018/Osipova

Highlights

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines child development as a dynamic process that encompasses physical, cognitive, social, and emotional components. It involves acquiring and improving various skills, progressing from complete dependence on parents to relative independence in childhood and later adolescence.

A child's development is influenced by both biological factors (genetics, pregnancy and childbirth, acquired diseases) and the environment, particularly close interaction with parents and the child's physical, emotional, and social environment.

Fully stimulating a child's development from intra-uterine life, detecting deviations early, and carrying out timely intervention and rehabilitation are of utmost importance. Early intervention should be integrated, encompassing health, education, and social issues, given the interconnected nature of a child's development.

This guidebook covers children’s developmental milestones, developmental disorders, and important aspects, such as communication, behavior, nutrition, sleep, and play. It provides theoretical background on various theories of development, as well as practical guidance for healthcare professionals on early intervention. It is intended to equip healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of child development and the importance of early intervention.

Աղջիկ երեխան լայն ժպտում է մոր գրկին նստած
Author(s)
UNICEF, ARABKIR Institute of Child and Adolescent Health
Publication date
Languages
Armenian

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