This is what i have done so far...
Causes of variations in rate and sequence of learning and development include:
• Disabilities - Learning disabilities can be divided into three broad categories: Developmental speech and language disorders, Academic skills disorders, "Other," a catch-all that includes certain coordination disorders and learning handicaps not covered by the other terms
Once, scientists thought that all learning disabilities were caused by a single neurological problem. But research supported by NIMH has helped us see that the causes are more diverse and complex. New evidence seems to show that most learning disabilities do not stem from a single, specific area of the brain, but from difficulties in bringing together information from various brain regions.
Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drug Use - Many drugs taken by the mother pass directly to the foetus. Research shows that a mother's use of cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs during pregnancy may have damaging effects on the unborn child. Therefore, to prevent potential harm to developing babies, the U.K. Public Health Service supports efforts to make people aware of the possible dangers of smoking, drinking, and using drugs.
• Experiences - Throughout the twentieth century, psychologists such as Bowlby, Freud, Erikson, and Sroufe have stressed the profound importance of early socioemotional experiences on later psychological outcomes.
• Environmental / External influences - The ability to adapt to our environment is a part of normal development. Children growing up in cold climates, on rural farms, or in large sibling groups learn how to function in those environments. But regardless of the general environment, all children need stimulation and nurturance for healthy development. If these are lacking—if a child's caretakers are indifferent or hostile—the child's brain development may be impaired. Because the brain adapts to its environment, it will adapt to a negative environment just as readily as it will adapt to a positive one. The physical environment shapes children's behavior. Large, noisy, over stimulating rooms can produce undesirable behavior in children. Smaller spaces help children to focus and cut down on distractions.
• Health issues
• Cultural
• Parental influences - Consistency is also important in the regulation of children's behavior. The rules for behavior must be consistent over time and among adults. Consistent enforcement of rules is reassuring to children that this is a predictable place, a place that you can trust. With respect to socioemotional development, psychologists such as Freud, Sroufe, Bowlby, Erikson, and Mary Main have claimed that children's early attachment relationships with their primary caregivers lay the foundation for later social functioning. Researchers have found that securely attached children are more cooperative with their mothers, achieve higher cognitive and academic scores, are more curious, and maintain better relationships with teachers and peers, as compared to insecurely attached children.
• Genetics - Individual differences in height and weight during childhood are considerable. Some of these differences are due to family genetic factors, others to environmental factors, but at some points in development they may be strongly influenced by individual differences in reproductive maturation.
I need something for health issues and cultural.. can anyone help!
Ive been putting it off but now need to do it