Psychology is the study of the human mind and its functions affecting the mental characteristics of a person or group. The main focus of the child studies and development website is child psychology in particular the study of speech, hearing and visual development in children. As you navigate through the site it is important to read the pages in order so that you can learn and understand the normal development in children compared to later pages which have more detailed studies on abnormal development. The website will primarily focus on children with exceptionalities, as they have difficulty in reaching full human potential due to a disability or impairment. I have chosen to focus on four exceptionalities that are prominent in Canadian society, they are the following:
Children with speech/ language differences
Children with Hearing impairments
Children with visual impairments
Children with Neurological Disabilities
As you explore the rest of the website you will learn that children with these exceptionalities have lower performance in intellectual, emotional, physical and social situations. Canadian society has increased awareness of exceptionalities to aim to provide individuals with a lifestyle suitable for their needs. Medical advances have made significant strides in prevention of disabilities by interventions to improve the care of children and through earlier diagnosis.
Terminology:
Etiology- study of cause of disease
Prevalence- found frequently
Intervention- To become involved in a situation to alter or prevent an action or development
Neurology- The professional medical science that involves the nervous system and disorders affecting it
Dysmorphic feature- A medical term referring to a difference of body or facial structure that is suggestive of a congenital disorder, genetic syndrome or birth defect
Child Studies and Development 