1. Brain Development in Children. Unit for Child Studies Selected Papers Number 2.
- Author
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New South Wales Univ., Kensington (Australia). School of Education. and Watson, Charles
- Abstract
This brief seminar presentation for parents and child minders points out aspects of brain development in human infants and provides answers to questions asked by seminar participants. Basic facts of anatomy, including the development of micro- and macroneurons, nerve cell migration, sprouting synapse formation and the death of brain cells are related. The extent to which brain growth is determined by infant activity is emphasized, as is the necessity of protein input especially in the first two years of development. Three aspects of sensation/stimulation are discussed: the role of external sensation and stimulation, critical periods of development, and occupational therapist Jean Ayres' theory of brain development in children with learning disabilities. In conclusion it is emphasized that the sensory world of the average child in Sydney, Australia, is sufficient to ensure normal brain development. Appended questions and answers focus on the issues of handedness, television viewing, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. (Author/RH)
- Published
- 1980