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Developmentals is a term sometimes used to refer to processes of growth and change across the lifespan in biological, cognitive, social, and emotional domains. In scholarly contexts, development is studied within several disciplines, including developmental biology, developmental psychology, and pediatrics, as well as education and social policy. The term is broad and can denote typical development as well as atypical trajectories arising from genetic, neural, environmental, or interactional factors.

Developmental biology examines how organisms grow from a single cell to a complex organism, focusing on embryogenesis, organ formation, tissue differentiation, and conserved signaling pathways such as Notch, Wnt, and Hox genes. Developmental psychology investigates normative changes in thinking, learning, emotion, language, and social relations across childhood and adolescence, often through longitudinal studies and milestone tracking. Developmental pediatrics emphasizes growth assessment, neurodevelopmental screening, and early intervention for conditions affecting development.

Atypical development encompasses neurodevelopmental and other disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, and intellectual disability. Early identification, multidisciplinary assessment, and evidence-based interventions aim to optimize outcomes. Cross-cultural research highlights that developmental milestones and expectations can vary with context, necessitating culturally sensitive assessment and practice.

Research methods include longitudinal and cross-sectional designs, cross-cultural comparisons, and translational studies linking basic biology to behavior. Policies and programs—such as early childhood education, screening guidelines, and family support services—apply insights from developmentals to improve health, education, and well-being.