Why is Knowledge of Child Development Important?
Source: ibhcounseling
Why is Knowledge of Child Development Important?
Children are like tender plants when provided the right support and learning experiences they are guaranteed to become successful nation builders of the future years to come. Knowledge of child development is essential as it helps to identify if there are any developmental delays which helps to implement the desired interventions sooner. When child development knowledge is understood deeply parents can support their children to foster their progress, especially in the case of neuro-divergent learners.
In an educational context, teachers can be well prepared to handle their students by devising accurate learning plans and tailored strategies that cater to the learning needs of all the students in a regular classroom.
Child Development is a whole picture of the child’s growth including the physical, mental emotional, and cognitive domains. So, knowledge of child development gives all the concerned people and professionals involved in the child’s journey to be well-prepared to make any informed decisions and provide the child with the best possible support in case he faces any learning or physical disorder.
When a conducive environment is created from the beginning there are fewer chances for the child to face any learning gaps and the child can scale great heights of success to lead wholesome lives.
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Table of Content
Source: medium
How Does Disability Affect Child Development & Growth?
Disability affects the roots of the child’s development at a young age when their brain development is at its peak. As development and growth go hand in hand when one domain of the child is affected it has a severe impact on the other vitals of the child.
When a child suffers from a mental disability his ability to interact with other children is hampered due to which his social interaction becomes meager leading to poor socio-emotional growth. Although every kid’s journey is different, disabilities can provide difficulties in daily activities, education, and relationships, which may have an impact on a child’s belonging and general quality of life.
Effects on Physical Development:
Mobility Challenges
Children who face physical impairments can struggle with their ability to balance, move, and perform simple movements.
Sensory Impairments
Hearing or vision deficiencies can make it difficult for kids to interact with their surroundings and process information, inducing their ability to study and communicate.
Medical Concerns
Some disabilities have serious impacts on the overall health such as cerebral palsy which need continual medical care that can hamper the energy levels of the child deterring them from participating in classroom activities actively.
Cognitive Development Impacts
Learning Difficulties
Several mental disabilities can affect a child’s ability to understand verbal or facial cues, read fluently, or understand simple mathematical operations compared to their peers.
Problems in staying focussed.
ADHD is a disorder where the child has major issues in staying focussed or paying attention to the teachers which leads to impulsivity and unruly behaviours.
Memory and Processing Delays
Some children may require extra time to process information, which can influence their academic performance and ability to retain knowledge.
Socio-Emotional Development Issues
Social Isolation
Due lack of understanding of facial cues or an inability to process information leads to frustration due to which the child distances himself from establishing any bonds or friendships in the classroom leading to bouts of depression and loneliness.
Low Self-Esteem
Not being similar to children of their age leads to poor self-confidence in young children and at times they can be subjected to bullying as well.
Emotional Challenges
Not being able to get along well with their peers and classmates, and physical inaccessibility leads to a lot of emotional struggles for the child which at times results in emotional outbursts and disorderly behaviors.
Children with Disabilities can overcome a lot and grow in their unique ways if they have the proper assistance. With early intervention by professional special educators and timely assessment and adaptations of teaching strategies children with learning disabilities develop a great deal of independence. This helps them to be confident enough to operate independently in a regular classroom and have positive social interactions with friends, family, and the community at large.
Source: reekooz
How Can I Help My Child with Developmental Disabilities?
A Child with developmental disabilities with the correct guidance and quintessential academic support is capable of learning in a classroom along with his peers rather than being secluded in a confined space. Helping a child with developmental disabilities needs a lot of resilience, thorough understanding, and a cheerful approach that helps to build high self-esteem and confidence in the child enabling him to function with minimum assistance in a regular classroom.
Early Intervention & Understanding
Prevention is better than cure therefore with the slightest doubt get your child diagnosed to clear any doubts. If there is any learning disability detected starting early intervention will foster the child’s overall holistic progress.
Promoting a healthy learning atmosphere
Define all the rules clearly to the children helping them understand their boundaries and what is expected of them. Follow a routine to help them get accustomed to their daily schedules.
Encouraging Communication & Independence
Use clear language, visual aids, and gestures to improve understanding. Break down tasks into small steps to build independence in daily activities. Support social interactions with peers and family through guided play.
Introducing interactive activities
Involve children in engaging activities using sensory play materials that stimulate their thinking capabilities.
Promote co-operation
Involve the community in promoting awareness about the challenges of children with special needs and work together towards making a supportive inclusive society.
Appreciate small achievements
Celebrate the small victories of the child that give him the impetus to strive better to attain his real potential.
Care Tips for Children with Developmental Disabilities?
Children with developmental disabilities are often at times gifted individuals who need the right guidance and emotional support to flourish as independent learners. The greatest care tip for children with developmental disabilities is to possess an in-depth understanding of the disorder they possess and the challenges associated with it. For this one has to undergo a Special Educator Course to understand the child’s needs and devise lesson plans with tried and tested strategies.
Here are key care tips:
Maintain a Structured Routine
Consistent schedules help reduce anxiety. Use visual aids or timers to ease transitions.
Support Clear Communication
Use simple language, gestures, and visual cues. Give extra time for responses and encourage alternative communication tools if needed.
Encourage Learning and Independence
Implement a concept called chunking which means breaking down the complex process or topic into easy understandable steps which helps them master the tasks and complete them with great confidence.
Spread a spirit of empathy.
With the help of setting clear boundaries and structured routines, children engage in informal social activities with their peers to promote a spirit of empathy and oneness that helps the child to form meaningful relationships with their classmates fostering their overall well-being.
Adapt to Sensory Needs
Identify sensory preferences and provide suitable activities. Modify the environment to prevent sensory overload.
Seek Professional Support
- Work with therapists to address specific needs.
- Take a Special Educator Course, like the one offered by Vidhyanidhi Education Society (Govt. Regd.), to enhance skills in supporting children.
Celebrate Progress
Focus on small achievements rather than comparisons. Use positive reinforcement to boost confidence.
By applying these strategies and gaining expertise through a Special Educator Course, caregivers can create a nurturing environment where children with developmental disabilities thrive.
Join Vidhyanidhi Education Society’s (Govt. Regd.) Diploma in SEN and make a difference today!
For more details on Diploma in SEN Call / Whatsapp at +919321024137 / +919869866277
To download the brochure of the Diploma in SEN, Click Here!
FAQs
What is the Main Aim of Education to Develop a Child?
The main aim of education to develop a child is to assess if the child has any developmental delays that hint towards any disability and to start immediate intervention for them.
How can I improve my Child’s Developmental Delay?
Developmental delays can be improved by initial intervention, therapy, set-up routines, sensory play, positive support, and modified learning activities.
