The study of visual development has proceeded at a rapid pace in recent years, and there have been theoretical and methodological innovations across a wide range of disciplines. This book brings together some of the most recent innovations from a neurobiological perspective. Chapters cover the pre- to postnatal development of vision, new insights into the concept of critical periods, object and face recognition, as well as dynamic perception and visual recognition memory in infants. The volume finishes with a detailed overview of the development of visual functions from the perspective of neural network modeling.

This book will appeal to psychologists, visual scientists and infancy researchers with an interest in development of the visaul system from a multidisciplinary perspective. An integrative introduction is followed by chapters that challenge thinking about development in terms of a nativist-empiricist dichotomy. Emphasis is on cross-disciplinary research links and between chapters readers will find cross-references.

This book shows how, and in what ways, prenatal development serves as a preparation for life after birth. Largely, such explanation stemming from the transnatal continuity theory has been ignored in mainstream developmental psychology. However, since the advent of real-time ultrasonography with humans, and increasingly refined experiements with avian and mammalian species, plausible scenarios linking prenatal and postnatal development are beginning to emerge. One is the theory of fetal programming. Here, the authors provide authoritative reviews of current knowledge regarding continuities and discontinuities between prenatal and postnatal development of brain-behavior relationships across a variety of species, including humans.

This volume describes from an interdisciplinary perspective human motor development using longitudinal study methods. The biological basis of motor development is discussed, looking at mechanisms of embryonic growth and fetal development. Fetal movement patterns and developmental processes and adaptations that continue throughout childhood are also treated. Chapters cover the mechanisms that underlie the development of posture, goal-directed behavior, movement patterns for communication and the acquisition of skills, such as tool use and writing. The book also considers how the developmental process can go wrong. Possible risk factors for abnormal motor development are discussed and the adaptive processes that accompany motor deficiencies in childhood and later life are also described.

The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Child Development remains the most authoritative and accessible account of all aspects of child development. Written by an international team of experts, its comprehensive coverage includes everything from prenatal development to adolescence, pediatrics, theories and research methods, physical development, social and emotional development, perceptual and cognitive development, language development, psychopathology, and parenting. The second edition has also been thoroughly updated to reflect major developments over the last decade in areas such as neuroscientific methods, developmental cognitive and social neuroscience, the effects of environmental influences on gene expression, and the relationship between human development and evolution. Throughout 124 entries, the Encyclopedia advocates an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to the study of child development. With clear, jargon-free style and user-friendly format, this is the essential reference for researchers and students of child development, as well as healthcare professionals, social workers, educators, and anyone interested in the well-being of children.

Clinics in Developmental Medicine No. 152

"Crying as a Sign, a Symptom and a Signal" brings the reader up to date on new evidence concerning the developmental and clinical significance of infant crying in the first few months and years of life. Initially studied as a sign of disease, crying is now being understood not only as a sign, but also as a symptom of problematic functioning in early development. We now know much more about normative patterns of development of infant crying and how they may be manifest in a variety of clinical settings (emergency room complaint, painful procedures, colic, temper tantrums, non-verbal and mentally challenged infants). This has brought about a new conceptualization of the significance of early infant crying which an international team of experts describe and examine. In this authoritative clinical text, both historical and methodological perspectives are brought to a multidisciplinary synopsis of the new understanding of this infant behavior.

The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Child Development is an authoritative, accessible and up-to-date account of all aspects of child development. Written by an international team of leading experts, it adopts an interdisciplinary approach and covers everything from prenatal development to education, pediatrics, neuroscience, theories and research methods to physical development, social development, cognitive development, psychopathology and parenting. It also looks at cultural issues, sex differences and the history of child development. The combination of comprehensive coverage, clear, jargon-free style and user-friendly format will ensure this book is essential reading for students, researchers, health care professionals, social workers, education professionals, parents and anyone interested in the welfare of children. Features include: * Foreword by Jerome Bruner * Comprehensive coverage * Extensive glossary * Biographies of key figures * Companion website, www.cambridge.org/hopkins * Clear, user-friendly format

The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Child Development remains the most authoritative and accessible account of all aspects of child development. Written by an international team of experts, its comprehensive coverage includes everything from prenatal development to adolescence, pediatrics, theories and research methods, physical development, social and emotional development, perceptual and cognitive development, language development, psychopathology, and parenting. The second edition has also been thoroughly updated to reflect major developments over the last decade in areas such as neuroscientific methods, developmental cognitive and social neuroscience, the effects of environmental influences on gene expression, and the relationship between human development and evolution. Throughout 124 entries, the Encyclopedia advocates an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to the study of child development. With clear, jargon-free style and user-friendly format, this is the essential reference for researchers and students of child development, as well as healthcare professionals, social workers, educators, and anyone interested in the well-being of children.