CHILD DEVELOPMENT.......................

refers to the biological and psychological
changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence, as the individual progresses from
dependency to increasing autonomy. Because these
developmental changes may be strongly influenced by genetic factors and events
during prenatal life, genetics and prenatal development are usually included as
part of the study of child development. Related terms include developmental psychology,
referring to development throughout the lifespan, and pediatrics, the branch of medicine relating to
the care of children. Developmental change may occur as a result of
genetically-controlled processes known as maturation, or as a result of
environmental factors and learning, but most commonly involves an interaction
between the two.