Definition:
Progressive benchmarks of learning and growth, which may be interfered with or stunted by the experience of trauma, and/or by substance abuse.
(birth-1 year) In ascending order:
- displays social smile,
- rolls over by self,
- able to sit alone without support,
- babbling, plays peek-a-boo,
- eruption of first tooth,
- pulls self to standing position,
- walks while holding on to furniture or other support,
- says "mama" or "dada" in proper situations,
- able to drink from cup,
- understands "NO" and will stop activity in response,
- walks without support
(1-3 years) In ascending order:
- masters walking,
- recognizes gender differences,
- uses up to 8 words and understands simple commands,
- able to run, pivot and walk backwards,
- uses spoon to feed self,
- can name pictures of common objects,
- can point to body parts,
- imitates speech of others,
- begins pedaling tricycle,
- learns to take turns in play with other children,
- able to feed self neatly with minimal spill,
- able to say first and last name,
- able to draw a line when shown,
- dresses self with minimal help,
- learns to share toys without parent direction
(3-6 years) In ascending order:
- rides tricycle well,
- able to draw a circle,
- able to draw stick figures,
- hops on one foot,
- catches a bounced ball,
- understands size concepts,
- enjoys rhymes and word play,
- able to skip,
- increased independence in performing tasks without parental assistance,
- begins to ride bicycle,
- understands time concepts,
- begins to recognize written words,
- starts reading skills,
- starts school
(6-12 years) In ascending order:
- understands and is able to follow sequential directions,
- beginning skills for team sports,
- begins to lose baby teeth and erupt permanent teeth,
- reading skills develop further,
- peer recognition becomes important,
- girls begin to demonstrate secondary sexual characteristics (pubic hair, axillary hair, breast development), first menstrual period may occur
(12-18 years) In ascending order:
- boys exhibit secondary sexual characteristics (chest, facial, axillary and pubic hair growth voice changes, penile enlargement),
- movement into adult height/weight category,
- cognitive abilities move from simply concrete to abstract,
- peer acceptance and recognition is vital