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Prenatal/Embryonic Stage
During this stage, neurons and connections are growing.
This stage begins at conception.
Neural tubes begin to form which eventually turn into the brain and spinal cord. Throughout this period of development, basic structures of the brain begin.
Basic reflexes emerge such as grasping and sucking
sensory organs (eyes, ears, skin) form allowing baby to respond to light, sound, and touch.
This stage of development lasts from ages 0 to 10 months. -
Early Childhood/Birth to 6 Years
Brain experiences rapid growth during this stage.
Crucial time for motor an d sensory development, language, and regulation of emotions
Sensory processing becomes more intellectual and allows children to respond to their enviornmnet.
Motor skills progress, crawling, walking, etc..
Parents need to provide a nurturing environment and individualized communication in order to promote healthy development
crucial period for neural pathways to lay down support for sensory perception and motor skills -
Adolecense/ Ages 7 to 22 Years
The brain goes through a process called synaptic pruning, where the brain refines its neural circuits.
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for high order cognitive functions goes through a significant amount of development throughout this stage.
Meaning that when in this stage, teenagers need to learn to control recklessness and irrational behavior and avoid use of drugs and alcohol
sensory system can adapt more to complex stimuli
motor skills improve through practice and experience -
Adulthood/Ages 23 to 65 years
adult brains have undergone most changes and have been largely
the brain continues to go through life changes and is able to reorganize and create new neural connections in order to adapt to the environment.
Memory start to decline, processing speed slows and working memory is storing less information.
sensory and motor skills are typically refined. The brain changes, especially in skill and memory. Sensory remains sharp, while motor skills may decline, practice can still enhance them -
Aging/65 Years and Over
Brain cells are lost in the critical areas
Memory loss becomes an issue
As people age, their sensory and motor skills may decline gradually. Sensory processing can become less sharp, affecting how they perceive things. Motor skills may also weaken due to factors like reduced muscle strength and coordination. However, staying active and mentally engaged can help slow down these declines and maintain function.