Risk Factor Articles: Risk Factors in Child Development

How A Child Develops (2008). CASRC Retrieved on February 11, 2012 from http://www.howkidsdevelop.com/developDevDelay.html

     This articles looks at the aspects of developmental delay in children and the what the steps that should be
     taken when there is a developmental delay in a child. This article walks parents, caregivers, and teachers
     through understanding what developmental delay is as well as the risk factors developmental  delays.    
     "Child development refers to the process in which children go through changes in skill development 
     during predictable time periods, called developmental milestones." It also helps parents understand
     how developmental delays affect areas in development and the risk factors for developmental delays.
     "Developmental delays can occur in all five areas of development or may just happen in one or more of   
     those areas." After reading this article parents, caregivers, and teachers will understand how  
     developmental delays are identified, why early interventions services are important, and also what parents
     can do if they think their child shows signs of developmental delay s. "Risk factors for developmental    
     problems fall into two categories: genetic or environmental." Developmental delays are identified "though
     two types of play-based assessments: developmental screening and developmental evaluation." The
     warning signs for developmental delays range from behavioral, gross motor, vision, and hearing. This   
     article also details what steps parents and teachers can take to accommodate school aged children to
    ensure that they receive the best education possible regardless of their disabilities.
   
     This article has information that would be extremely helpful not only to parents, but caregivers and  
     teachers also. The information in this article covers the risk factors and also provides information on what
     the plan of action should be if they suspect developmental delays in their child. "Risk factors have a  
     cumulative impact upon development. As the number of risk factors inceases, a child is put at greater risk
     for developmental delay." This article explains genetics and environmental risk factors that affect the
     development of children. "A good example of a genetic risk is Down syndrome, a disorder that causes
     developmental delay because of an abnormal chromosome. Environmental risk results from exposure to
     harmful agents either before or after birth, and also includes a child's life experiences." These life
    experiences range from premature births, severe poverty, a mother's depression, and poor nutrition.
    This article is also a great source of information for parents whose child may need early intervention.
     It shows the benefits of early intervention for a child as well as the parents. "Early intervention helps a
     child advance in all areas of development. Finally, early intervention is critical for the child to develop
     good self-esteem." As far as teachers this article shows the opportuinities they will have to work with the
     parents and child by starting the process of getting an IEP. Teachers can be very instrumental is helping
     parents and students get the full help they will need to ensure that the child recieves the best education.