What Does Genetics Influence Child Development?

1143 Words5 Pages

Asbury, K. and Plomin, R. (2014) G is for genes. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley and Sons. An insight into the field of behavioural genetics, how genotype can affect children’s ability to learn and how application of this knowledge within the educational system are factors that could ensure fulfillment of every child’s potential. Information within this text can assist in understanding more about how genetics influence child development. Further content in the book covers aspects of how nurture, environment and socio-economic status also play a significant role in child development. However, the usefulness of the text is limited due to the fact that it primarily covers children aged four and above, and does not include much information …show more content…

Part One – Introducing Child Development has been useful as it defines what child development consists of and provides a history of how the study of child development has progressed. The requirements of the assignment involve identifying issues in cognitive and physical development in early childhood and tying in historical and theoretical perspectives, therefore the information provided has proven to be a sound starting point for further research. The section relating to the effects of tetragons on a developing fetus were useful when arguing how outside influence can effect internal biological processes. Additionally, the text provides a breakdown of the main theorists and theories in the field, as well as covering the effects of genetics and heredity on development, all information that has proven useful when researching the assignment. Limitations of the text are that it is purely an introduction to the subject matter and does not go into any great detail. However, due to it being a core textbook, further reading and research into the content may prove …show more content…

The text contains guidelines for professionals to adhere to in order to achieve outcomes such as supporting and developing strong relationships between parent and child, educating caregivers on healthy lifestyle, in addition to ensuring the child is developing typically, identifying any issues and acting accordingly. In relation to the assignment, this text has been useful to cite from satisfying the required inclusion of current policy and provision in relation to childhood development. Although there is a great deal of information within the text relating to early childhood, it is specifically designed for the purpose of supporting professionals and much of the information has been taken from other sources which will be accessed individually through further research for the