<P> Child development entails the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence, as the individual progresses from dependency to increasing autonomy . It is a continuous process with a predictable sequence, yet having a unique course for every child . It does not progress at the same rate and each stage is affected by the preceding developmental experiences . Because these developmental changes may be strongly influenced by genetic factors and events during prenatal life, genetics and prenatal development are usually included as part of the study of child development . Related terms include developmental psychology, referring to development throughout the lifespan, and pediatrics, the branch of medicine relating to the care of children . Developmental change may occur as a result of genetically - controlled processes known as maturation, or as a result of environmental factors and learning, but most commonly involves an interaction between the two . It may also occur as a result of human nature and our ability to learn from our environment . </P> <P> There are various definitions of periods in a child's development, since each period is a continuum with individual differences regarding start and ending . Some age - related development periods and examples of defined intervals are: newborn (ages 0--4 weeks); infant (ages 4 weeks--1 year); toddler (ages 1--3 years); preschooler (ages 4--6 years); school - aged child (ages 6--11 years); adolescent (ages 12--19). </P>

Development is a type of change that leads toward