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P2- Explain the potential effects of five different life factors on the development of an individual
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P2- Explain the potential effects of five different life factors on the development of an individual
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Unit 4P2- Explain the potential effects of five different life factors on the development of an individual
Nature and nurture
Nature vs. nurture is an on-going debate whether a human’s behaviour is determined by the
environment or either parental or by a person’s genetics. This has been an on-going debate for a
while some people say it is nurture because when a child is born they look identical to their parents.
And they believe you get your personality and talents from your parents. But some other people say
it is the environment we live in where we grow up can have a long-lasting effect on how we end up
in the future.
The nature versus nurture debate involves the extent to what aspects of behaviour are a product of
either inherited or acquired influences so what exactly is it all about?
Nature refers to genetic and hereditary factors that influence who we are. From our physical
appearance to our personalities.
Factors affecting development
The development of individuals can be affected by a number of life factors such as genetic,
biological, environmental, social, social-economic and lifestyle factors. All of these life factors
contribute to how our development changes through life and some factors can have a huge impact
on some individual’s lives.
Genetic life factors
The first life factor is the genetics of a person, a genetic influence that can affect the development of
an individual could be a disease like downs syndrome. This particular disease is a chromosome
disorder. People who have downs syndrome are born with an extra chromosome instead of having
46 chromosomes they have 47. This genetic condition typically causes a learning disability and a
difference in physical features. The difficulties involved with this condition can affect everyday life
and development. With this disorder causing learning disabilities this will affect the way the child
develops as they will struggle in education. Progression of this condition leads to an impairment in
both the cognitive ability of an individual and also the physical growth too.
People with downs syndrome have an increased risk of having respiratory problems, Hearing
problems and epilepsy. With all these increased risks being involved with the condition, it shows in
many ways how the condition can affect and individuals’ development throughout their life. A
Downs syndrome suffers childhood will be difficult because of the teaching they have; this will,
therefore, affect their adulthood as they wouldn’t have the same knowledge as other adults. Their
adolescence will be more difficult as they will not have the same lives as normal teenagers as they
will struggle to develop the relationship side and they will not go through the exact same physical
changes teenagers go through due to their condition.
,The life expectancy for an individual with downs syndrome is seen to be decreased, as many people
with downs syndrome do not live over 60. As seen, the condition can have a detrimental effect on
health, which will slow down life. This, therefore, affects the older adulthood stage, as they may not
get to the age to experience it.
How downs syndrome affects childhood
Children with downs syndrome will have a very similar however different childhood to their peers.
This is because in early years they might require some specialist support. Physically children with
downs syndrome appear to have a different physical appearance and different physical abilities to
other children. Such as children with downs syndrome will typically have a flat facial profile, an
upward slant in the eyes, small ears and a large tongue. Downs syndrome children will develop the
exact same as other children however, they will meet the milestones slower.
Cognitive impairment, problems with thinking and learning is common in children with downs
syndrome and usually ranges from mild to moderate. However, if there is an impairment it might not
notice until the child begins full-time education. Alternately, if someone with downs syndrome does
not have an impairment they are capable of learning and retaining information the exact same as
everyone else. Most children with downs syndrome develop the communication skills they need,
although it might take them longer to do so compared to other children. Early, speech and language
interventions would help children with downs syndrome to improve their speech.
Socially most children with downs syndrome continue to develop good social skills and appropriate
social behaviour, though a small minority may develop difficult behaviours affecting their social skills.
However, even though children with downs syndrome can communicate they usually have a very
small friend group. Which can result in them not being sociable with others which has a follow on
effect on their social development?
Emotionally children with downs syndrome will have struggles with mental health, as they have a
more likely chance of getting depression and anxiety. Which will affect their lives and their
development? Children with downs syndrome are more likely to be affected emotionally because
they might notice that they look different from other children or they might not have many friends
because of their condition. That will then have an effect on their mental well-being making them
more prone to develop depression.
, How downs syndrome affects adolescence
There is not much difference in adolescence however, there are some. Puberty can be a worrying
time for parents and carers of children approaching adolescence. Most young people with downs
syndrome manage well with changes that occur. Just like other children, they will experience the
same physical, intellectual, emotional and social development milestones however these milestones
will be met at a slower rate. As well as changes in their body such as growth, breast development,
penis growth and change in voice tone. Downs syndrome children will also begin to become
interested in love and relationships. This is a normal part of growing up that everyone goes through.
As they become interested in love they will then learn what relationships mean. Your son or
daughter may also show a desire for independence and want to “push their boundaries”. By allowing
your child the independence they want will allow them to make choices on their own.
People with downs syndrome have difficulties with brain function because of their condition
affecting the way their brain develops. Which will then cause issues with memory, learning and
speech? Intellectually teenagers with downs syndrome will learn at a slower rate because their
motor skills develop slower. However, this cannot stop them from learning.
Socially, teenagers with downs syndrome usually lack social skills. This is normally because they have
a small number of friends or because they are not excepted because of their differences. People
with downs syndrome have a higher chance of being bullied because of their disability and their
physical appearance. The effect of this bullying can affect their mental health causing them to feel
different, upset or depressed.
How downs syndrome affects adulthood
As teenagers with down syndrome finish their high school years and enter adulthood. They will face
the same questions other young people face. They will need to think about where they will live,
what job they will do and how will they be successful. This can be a stressful time for many
individuals however, this time can be even harder for people with downs syndrome because of their
condition.
As individuals with downs syndrome reach adulthood they will continue to develop. However,
because of their condition, they will have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease,
depression and physical illness. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that destroys memory and
thinking skills stopping people from carrying out even the easiest of tasks. If this is developed an
adult with Alzheimer’s will be dependent on carers making them feel incapable, useless or upset.
Adults with downs syndrome have a range of needs and abilities just like any other adult. Some will
learn to drive, marry and have relationships. However, others will need more day-to-day care, but
might still be able to get a job and participate in social activities.
With the correct support, they can have fulfilling exciting lives. In today’s modern diverse society
there are more opportunities for people with downs syndrome to fit in giving them opportunities for
jobs and houses. Also, doctors are always learning about new treatments and medications for
people with down syndromes to help them get the best out of their lives.
Individuals with downs syndrome have a shorter lifespan with the average person with downs
syndrome living up to 60. However, the reason why they have a shorter life is unclear.
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