Adolescent Development (Age 11-18)

Physical: During the adolescent period children will experience some dramatic physical changes. Puberty will begin around the age of ten causing the development in their bodies. Around the age of ten many young girls will begin to see the signs of breasts developing. Around 11 boys will experience changes in their testicles as they grow larger. Each child will begin to grow pubic hair during puberty, with it beginning around the ages of 10 for girls and 12 for boys (Berk, 2013). Language: Adolescent children between the ages of 11-18 can comprehend over 40,000 words and can communicate clearly in accordance to social settings. He also has the ability to recognize and understand non-literal word meanings like sarcasm (Berk, 2013). Cognitive: Children that are between the ages of 11 to 18 are making improvements in their ability to make decisions that are good and effective. At this age children display the imaginary audience but this will gradually decline as they age (Berk, 2013). Social/Emotional: Adolescent children are embarking on a discovery of self. They are asking themselves, Who Am I? during this stage of life (Hackett, 2010). During this period children are aware of others and are building on interpersonal relationships (Hackett, 2010).

Moral Reasoning/Self-Regulation: Children during adolescence are beginning to understand moral logic and will become upset when if it violated. Teens develop an understanding that discrimination based on cultural, ethnic, or differences of abilities are unjust.

Cultural Factors that Influence Development: Teens that are provided with opportunities to discuss culture and their differences will understand and appreciate their differences which will promote morals (Berk, 2013). Social Factors that Influence Development: Confidence and the capacity to make and retain friendships can be fostered by parent sensitivity. This can be achieved starting from infancy throughout all of childhood (Berk, 2013). A-Typical Development: Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have difficulties staying focused on tasks that require their mental attention. They are often impulsive, act out, and have a hard time following rules (Berk, 2013). Strategies: A child may need to be prescribed medication eventually after all other efforts have failed. Unfortunately medication alone does do the trick. Changes in the environment and interventions that model appropriate behavior and reinforce the appropriate ones may be the best way of treating the behaviors and maximizing learning potential.

http://adolescentwork.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/eight-ways-to-promote-social-andemotional-learning-in-your-adolescent-3/