[Medical Q&A] What are the rules and characteristics of normal children’s intellectual development?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Wang Hua, Chief Physician, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University

Intelligence is a comprehensive reflection of human cognitive ability, including observation ability, attention, memory, thinking ability and imagination, etc., and its core is abstract thinking ability. The intellectual development of normal children follows certain rules.

First of all, intellectual development has obvious time nodes and stages. Children begin to show early intellectual activities based on sensory experience and body movements six months after birth. This ability is essentially different from abstract thinking in adulthood. After one and a half years old, with the development of language ability, the intelligence level accelerates significantly; by the age of 4, the IQ is highly correlated with its later development, and the intelligence level reaches about half of the higher level in adulthood. After the age of 10, intellectual development gradually slows down, tends to stabilize at the age of 23 to 25, and reaches a higher level in life. However, intellectual development does not proceed at a uniform speed, but presents stage characteristics. For example, language ability develops rapidly at the age of 2 to 3, and motor skills gradually develop from standing, walking with support to independent walking, until hand-foot coordination is achieved at around 3 years old.

Secondly, intelligence is a comprehensive manifestation of multiple abilities. If one ability is significantly behind, it may affect the overall intelligence level. For example, insufficient attention or memory will reduce learning efficiency, which in turn will hinder the development of other abilities. Therefore, the coordinated development of various abilities is crucial to the overall improvement of intelligence.

Third, intellectual development has a clear timeliness, and each ability has an optimal development period. The famous "Indian wolf boy" was isolated from human society until he was 7 to 8 years old. Despite 4 years of hard work, he could only reach the intelligence level of a 1-year-old, because he missed the critical period for the development of language and social skills.

Finally, intellectual development is modifiable. Although genetic factors have a greater impact on intelligence, the role of social environment is equally important. Just as seeds need suitable soil and sunlight to thrive, children's intellectual development also needs good external conditions to support it. Early language training, rich sensory stimulation, and appropriate education methods can effectively promote the development of children's intelligence.