ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 examines factors that adversely affect the development of a child from prenatal through postnatal period. Child development is influenced by many factors, such as biological and genetic makeup, environmental factors, and learning. Many factors might contribute to a deviation in development. Genetic disorders might lead to specific conditions and disabilities, such as Fragile-X syndrome or Down syndrome. Teratogens are another group of factors that might contribute to developmental disabilities. Teratogens include smoking, drinking, drug consumption, environmental toxins, or maternal infections and other diseases. The first three years of the child’s life are the most critical period for the infant’s brain development. The development of the brain’s specialized network depends on the early experiences of the infant, such as appropriate sensory stimulations and the quality of interactions that take place between the infant and the caregiver.
