4.3 Developmental Domains
Angela Blums, Ph.D.
Although development is complex, four domains have been identified: physical, cognitive, social, and emotional. This section will introduce each of these developmental domains and explain some important features of each domain. Keep in mind that developmental domains are interrelated, so consider as you read the next sections how one aspect of development could affect another.
Physical Development
Physical development includes all things related to the body. Sometimes this domain is called biological development because it also encompasses processes that occur inside the body at the biological level. Physical development includes brain development and motor skills.
Brain Development
Infant brains begin to develop while still in utero. Because of this, it is important to support fetal brain development through proper nutrition and care of the mother. Once the baby is born, infant brains develop rapidly. Brain connections, called synapses, develop rapidly during the first few months to the first three years of life, making this period critical for healthy brain development.
During infancy, babies require responsive interactions with trusted caregivers that include verbal, expressive, face-to-face engagement (National Research Council, & Institute of Medicine Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development, 2000; Tierney & Nelson, 2009). Additionally, and above all, they require a safe and secure home environment for healthy brain development.
Motor Skills
Children’s bodies are designed to wriggle and move. Motor skills refer to a child’s ability to move and coordinate motion using their bodies. Motor skills are generally organized into two categories: gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills Movement related to the large muscle groups in the body] are related to the large muscle groups in the body: walking, running, climbing, balancing, and jumping are examples of gross motor skills. Fine motor skills Movement related to small muscle groups in the body] are related to small muscle groups in the body. Grasping a spoon, holding a pencil, stringing beads, and stacking blocks are examples of fine motor skills.
In order for gross motor skills to develop successfully, infants and children must be given opportunities to move their bodies freely, safely, and without restriction (Adolph & Robinson, 2015). This is why most pediatric physical therapists recommend against the use of so-called “baby containers” – chairs, bouncy seats, swings, and jumpers that place an infant in an upright position before their body is ready to do so on its own. These devices can hinder development. Instead, babies should play on a blanket or mat and have a few minutes of “tummy time” each day starting at birth (Adolph & Robinson, 2015). This helps to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles that will later be used in crawling. As children begin to crawl and walk, soft climbers (play structures mad