Domain of Development
Age Range
P
e
r
i
o
d
o
f
Age Period
Physical Development
Cognitive Development
Emotional & Social
Development
conception to birth
Prenatal
Physical growth is the
most rapid of the lifespan.
Research indicates that
recognition of such items
as a story may begin.
Recognition of significant
voices, such as mother, is
evident.
birth to age 2
Infancy & Toddlerhood
Brain reaches more than
2/3 of its adult size.
Comprehension and use
of language develop
rapidly.
Attachment to parents and
others form.
Immaturity of thought
leads to some illogical
ideas about the world.
Gender identity develops.
Appearance becomes
more slender and
proportions become more
adult like.
2 to 6 years
Early Childhood
6 to 11 years
Middle Childhood
Growth slows.
Children begin to think
logically but concretely.
Peers become
increasingly important.
Adolescence
Reproductive maturity
arrives.
Immature thinking
persists in some attitudes
and behaviors.
Search for identity
becomes central.
Early Adulthood
Athletic skills peak then
decline.
Narrows vocational
options and settles into
specific career.
May cohabitate, marry
and bear children.
D
e
v 11 to 18 years
e
l
o
p 18-40 years
m
e
n
40-65 years
t
65-years to death
(including Emerging
Adulthood)
Middle Adulthood
Vision often declines.
Decreases in processing
speed and working memory;
increases in knowledge and
problem solving.
Late Adulthood
Overall decline in
physical abilities.
Overall decline in
memory abilities;
increased use of external
aids.
Desire to give to and
guide the next generation
intensifies.
Comes to terms with life
(and death).
Domain of Development
Age Range
P
e
r
i
o
d
o
f
Age Period
conception to birth
Prenatal
birth to age 2
Infancy & Toddlerhood
2 to 6 years
Early Childhood
6 to 11 years
Middle Childhood
D
e
v 11 to 18 years
e
l
o
p 18-40 years
m
e
n
40-65 years
t
65-years to death
Adolescence
Early Adulthood
(including Emerging
Adulthood)
Middle Adulthood
Late Adulthood
Physical Development
Cognitive Development
Emotional & Social
Development