Factors Influencing Child Development

By : Muhammad Zulfadhli b. Mohd Zamri Mohd Zulfahmi b. Jasni Nurul Husna bt. Hassan

Nature (Genetic)
Going From One Cell to Trillions The sperm and ovum each contain chromosomes that act as a blueprint for human life. The genes contained in these chromosomes are made up of a chemical structure known as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) that contains the genetic code, or instructions, that make up all life. Except for the sperm and ova, all cells in the body contain 46 chromosomes. As you might guess, the sperm and ova each contains only contain 23 chromosomes. This ensures that when the two cells meet, the resulting new organism has the correct 46 chromosomes.

 From Genotype to Phenotype A genotype refers to all of the genes that a person has inherited. The actual express of these traits is the person's phenotype. The phenotype can include physical traits, such as height and color or the eyes, as well as nonphysical traits such as shyness, a high strung temperament or a thirst for adventure

 Influences on Gene Expression Genetic Interactions: Genes can sometimes contain conflicting information, and in most cases, one gene will win the battle for dominance. Some genes act in an additive way. For example : if a child has one tall parent and one short parent, the child may end up splitting the difference by being of average height. In other cases, some genes follow a dominantrecessive pattern. Eye color is one example of dominant-recessive genes at work. The gene for brown eyes is dominant and the gene for blue eyes is recessive. If one parent hands down a dominant brown eye gene while the other parent hands down a recessive blue eye gene, the dominant gene will win out and the child will have brown eyes.

 Gene - Environment Interactions: The environment a child is exposed to both in utero and throughout the rest of his or her life can also impact how genes are expressed. For example, exposure to harmful drugs while in utero can have a dramatic impact on later child development. Height is a good example of a genetic trait that can be influenced by environmental factors. While a child's genetic code may provide instructions for tallness, the expression of this height might be suppressed if the child has poor nutrition or a chronic illness.

 Genetic Abnormalities Genetic instructions are not infallible and can go off track at times. Sometimes when a sperm or ovum is formed, the number of chromosomes may divide unevenly, causing the organism to have more or less than the normal 23 chromosomes. When one of these abnormal cells joins with a normal cell, the resulting zygote will have an uneven number of chromosomes. Researchers suggest that as many as half of all zygotes that form have more or less than 23 chromosomes, but most of these are spontaneously aborted and never develop into a full-term baby. In some cases, about 1 in every 200 births, a baby is born with an abnormal number of chromosomes. In every case, the result is some type of syndrome with a set of distinguishing characteristics.

 Down Syndrome The most common type of chromosomal disorder is known as trisomy 21, or Down syndrome. In this case, the child has three chromosomes at the site of the 21st chromosomes instead of the normal two. Down syndrome is characterized by: - facial characteristics including a round face, - slanted eyes - a thick tongue. - may also face other physical problems including heart defects and hearing problems.

 Abnormalities of the Sex Chromosomes Kleinfelter's syndrome is caused by an extra X chromosome and is characterized by a lack of development of the secondary sex characteristics and as well as learning disabilities. Fragile X syndrome is caused when part of the X chromosome is attached to the other chromosomes by such a thin string of molecules that it seems in danger of breaking off. It can affect both males and females, but the impact can vary. Some with Fragile X show few if any signs, while other develop mild to severe mental retardation. Turner syndrome occurs when only one sex chromosome (the X chromosome) is present. It affects only females and can result in short stature, a "webbed" neck and a lack of secondary sex characteristics. Psychological impairments associated with Turner syndrome include learning disabilities and difficulty recognizing emotions conveyed through facial expressions.

Nurture (Enviroment)
The prenatal environment: The chemical balance of the mother's body and the presence of conditions or potentially toxic substances that can alter development processes. Examples are the mother's use of drugs or alcohol, viral or bacterial diseases, and direct traumatic injury to the fetus

 The physical environment The air the child breathes, the nutritional value of food the child eats. Exposure to conditions that can lead to disease, accident, or injury, including child abuse and neglect. The social/cultural environment Consists of the norms, values, belief systems and morals. Standards of behavior that regulate life in the cultural group in which the child is raised

 The learning environment The degree and type of stimulation available in the child's immediate environment. Sensory input promotes and shapes cognitive development. Stimulation, in adequate quantity and intensity, promotes establishment of, and "shapes," neural pathways in the brain.

 The emotional environment The nature of the child's interpersonal relationships. The degree of nurturance available to the child. The emotional environment shapes personality and affects the development of self-esteem, identity, trust, the ability to enter into intimate relationships, and personal resilience.

Individual Differences (Physical)

Nutrition A one-size-fits-all nutritional guide doesnt apply for childrens rapidly evolving dietary needs. Even though eating a variety of healthy foods is important for every childs development, a childs height, amount of activity and how her body utilizes calories will individualize her nutritional needs.

 Trauma Whether a child suffers a single or multiple traumatic experiences, a negative impact on brain development may result from the trauma. Childhood trauma such as abuse or neglect multiplies the probability of developmental delay for the victim. Children with developmental delays struggle to achieve milestones in one or more areas of childhood development.

Multiple Intelligence According to Howard Gardener, there are eight types of multiple intelligence.
Linguistic Music Spatial Logic-Mathematics Sensitive to sound, meaning and different function of words in a language. Ability to produce and appreciate rhythm and music. Capabilities to imagine in the form of pictures and figures. Capacity to discern, logical or numerical patterns, solve Mathematical problems.

Kinesthetic
Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalistic

Abilities to control ones body movement and to handle objects skillfully.

Capability to understand and interact with other individuals. Understanding one self and to deciding future paths. Possess keen observation skills; able to identify and classify things in the environment.

Emotional Intelligence
An individuals ability to understand and interpret his own feelings and to use this information to guide his actions and thinking. An individuals ability to manage his emotions in a proper manner. The concept of emotional intelligence is elaborated by Peter Salovey and John Mayer and popularized by Daniel Goleman.

Concept of Emotional Intelligence

Potential is an individuals talent or hidden capability and ability. Background. The child upbringing, love, discipline or freedom will influence his development. Socioeconomic status, home, urban or rural areas, peer groups, media will also influence childs development.