DEVELOPMENTAL FRAME OF REFERENCE
What is a developmental frame of reference?
Looks at the series of stages in which person grows & evolves over lifespan
Dev FoR is not a single, simple or specific FoR in the conventional way
o The perspective is influenced by numerous development models from
different theorists and different professions
In OT, we use it with children who are experiencing developmental delay
o Therefore, understanding of child development is essential
o Combination of developmental theories provides understanding on how
children develop
o Child development is complex
When applying this FoR in OT, the following is required to facilitate the development
of critical skills the child needs
o sound understanding of child development (wholistic)
o use of clinical reasoning
o application of teaching and learning theories
o adaptation of the environment
o Selection & application of appropriate tools of the profession
Explain the COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT of children
Influenced by social, cultural and physical contexts
Pyramid conceptualization used to explain development
o each new stage is built on previous foundational skills
o Foundational skills form the base / broader part of the pyramid
o New behaviors develop due to neurologic maturation & environmental
influence and form the tapering upper part of the pyramid
1. What was Piaget’s theory on cognitive development?
o Development occurs through interaction between child’s innate abilities
and the environment.
Development occurs through social & physical relationships
Children are intrinsically motivated to act on environment, thus they
learn from their environment
o Development occurs in a predictable sequence of developmental stages:
Sensorimotor
Preoperational
Concrete operational
Formal operational
Cognitive maturity of adulthood
→ Stages can vary due to genetics and experience
o Cognition matures in a pattern from simple to complex, concrete to abstract,
personal to worldly
o Cognitive development leads to the development of an individual with values,
goals, and purpose – i.e., an occupational being
2. What was Vygotsky’s theory on cognitive development?
o Development occurs through learning through interaction with the
environment, and has genetic influences
o Development and learning is dependent on social interaction
o Cognitive processing is first a social then an internal process
child needs assistance from another individual in social interaction,
before they can mentally process on their own
What is a developmental frame of reference?
Looks at the series of stages in which person grows & evolves over lifespan
Dev FoR is not a single, simple or specific FoR in the conventional way
o The perspective is influenced by numerous development models from
different theorists and different professions
In OT, we use it with children who are experiencing developmental delay
o Therefore, understanding of child development is essential
o Combination of developmental theories provides understanding on how
children develop
o Child development is complex
When applying this FoR in OT, the following is required to facilitate the development
of critical skills the child needs
o sound understanding of child development (wholistic)
o use of clinical reasoning
o application of teaching and learning theories
o adaptation of the environment
o Selection & application of appropriate tools of the profession
Explain the COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT of children
Influenced by social, cultural and physical contexts
Pyramid conceptualization used to explain development
o each new stage is built on previous foundational skills
o Foundational skills form the base / broader part of the pyramid
o New behaviors develop due to neurologic maturation & environmental
influence and form the tapering upper part of the pyramid
1. What was Piaget’s theory on cognitive development?
o Development occurs through interaction between child’s innate abilities
and the environment.
Development occurs through social & physical relationships
Children are intrinsically motivated to act on environment, thus they
learn from their environment
o Development occurs in a predictable sequence of developmental stages:
Sensorimotor
Preoperational
Concrete operational
Formal operational
Cognitive maturity of adulthood
→ Stages can vary due to genetics and experience
o Cognition matures in a pattern from simple to complex, concrete to abstract,
personal to worldly
o Cognitive development leads to the development of an individual with values,
goals, and purpose – i.e., an occupational being
2. What was Vygotsky’s theory on cognitive development?
o Development occurs through learning through interaction with the
environment, and has genetic influences
o Development and learning is dependent on social interaction
o Cognitive processing is first a social then an internal process
child needs assistance from another individual in social interaction,
before they can mentally process on their own
