Create and analyze a 1-2 page simulated case study of an infant or toddler with developmental challenges, who shows evidence of factors that affect development. Then create a 5-7 page intervention plan based on evidence-based strategies that have proven effective in similar cases, and make projections for possible long-term impacts of the child’s current challenges.
Introduction
Note: The assessments in this course follow the successive stages of lifespan development, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them in sequence.
Beginning as early as conception, both heredity and environmental influences can affect the development of an individual. As you engage in this assessment, keep in mind that small influences can have a significant impact on a developing fetus. Hereditary diseases, genetics, teratogens, nutrition, and stress are all factors that can influence prenatal development, which in turn, can have effects across the lifespan.
Once a child is born, the external environment begins to influence development in a huge way. Attachment is one aspect that has been given much attention as having emotional influence during this time. There are direct implications that attachment and temperament can have on the ability to successfully develop and maintain peer relationships into adulthood.
Psychologists in each area specialization should be prepared to employ evidence-based interventions to address challenges posed by the effects of early developmental concerns. As you review the literature and complete the learning assessment, consider the potential implications of early development for your professional direction. How might you apply your knowledge directly or indirectly to your areas of a professional interest? While early development may seem remote to your professional specialization, consider that the implications may be both direct and indirect. For instance, if you work in education, you will need to take into account how the permanent influences of early development can affect how a person learns. More indirectly, imagine you are an industrial psychologist working in the field. A female employee returns to work after maternity leave. She is withdrawn and appears tired. When she is referred for a consultation, you discover that the employee had contracted rubella during the first trimester of pregnancy, which caused her infant to be born with a heart defect. Would you be better able to support the employee if you were knowledgeable about the risk factors during pregnancy and environmental agents that could harm a fetus?
Part 1: Create the Case
Create a simulated case study, relevant to your area of specialization, of an infant or toddler (birth to 24 months of age) who presents developmental challenges related to factors described by Bowlby’s attachment theory. Review the following Case Study Example [DOCX] to better understand the requirements.
Your case study should be 1–2 pages in length and it should describe:
• The infant or toddler and their strengths and challenges.
• The medical, family, and social context.
• The developmental challenges that were evident in the behavior of the infant or toddler.
• Evidence in the case that supports a specific attachment style.
• Contextual factors that could affect the infant’s or toddler’s development in the area you selected for consideration.
• Individual and cultural factors that theory and/or research indicate could impact the infant’s or toddler’s development.
• Any other factors you deem appropriate based on your understanding of the theory and related research.
To develop this case, you should:
• Explore theory and research based on Bowlby’s attachment theory and related to the area of development you selected as the focus of the case.
• Identify attachment styles in general and analyze a specific attachment style for the case you are developing.
• Locate and read current research on prenatal and infant development to describe potential outcomes linked to development in infancy or toddlerhood, including important considerations in the case you are