The Normal Child

The Normal Child provides a modern description of the normal variation of physical and behavioural features in the infant and young child. By reference to the abnormal, it will explain how to recognise and distinguish between normal variation and abnormal development that should be investigated further.

Features

Provides a thorough description of the normal, and therefore a sound baseline for practice

Promotes appropriate referral, investigation and treatment, by explaining what is truly 'abnormal' and giving examples

Identifies normal appearances that mimic and can be confused with the abnormal

Written by a multi-professional group of contributors each of whom brings special expertise - e.g. speech therapists on aspects of communication

Contents

List of abbreviations

1. Genetics

2. Embryology

3. Preterm and multiple birth

4. Growth

5. Feeding

6. Sleep

7. Cognitive, emotional and behavioural development

8. Speech and communication

9. Play

10. Motor skills, gait and co-ordination

11. Special senses: vision, hearing and skills integration

12. Social environment

13. Boundaries of normal in health

14. Postscript: two case studies

Appendix 1: Tables of normal neurodevelopmental data

Appendix 2: Immunisation Index