What is Cognitive Development?

Cognitive development is how your child’s thinking and understanding can grow over time. It involves them learning new things and strengthening their knowledge, which helps them reason and solve problems better (California Department of Education, 2024). Cognitive skill development in children is the improvement of learning abilities like attention, memory, and reasoning. These essential skills help children process sensory information and increase their abilities to evaluate, analyze, recall, compare, and understand cause and effect. These skills form the foundation of thinking, reading, learning, remembering, reasoning, and focusing. (Building Blocks Occupational Therapy, 2024).

Factors of Cognitive Development

Children’s cognitive development is influenced by various factors such as environment, nutrition, social interaction, sleep, education, and stress/trauma, which can impact their attention, decision-making, memory, problem-solving, and safety awareness (Building Blocks Occupational Therapy, 2024).

Environment

A stable household environment with large amounts of parental involvement supports cognitive development as there are many benefits that the space and individuals around them can offer. Benefits include language exposure and repetition from parents narrating what their child sees and points at within their environment, such as colors, numbers, and letters. Games, both virtual and otherwise, support cognitive development when combining cognitive and physical aspects. Incorporating singing songs into play also supports cognitive development through repetition and language exposure, and is one of the first ways a nonverbal child can learn to talk and communicate (Millacci, 2022).

Nutrition

Nutrients such as folate, iodine, iron, omega-3, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin B12, and zinc support the development of cognitive functions. Foods that contain folate and iodine help with cognitive function and brain development. Adequate iron intake can support attention, memory, and learning, especially during periods of rapid growth. Omega-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids support brain health, structure, and function, as well as enhancing cognitive processes and performance. Vitamin B12 supports brain health and cognitive performance. Foods that contain zinc support the increase of memory and learning skills. Staying hydrated is also very important in positively impacting cognitive development. (Millacci, 2022)

Social Interactions

Play is an important aspect of children’s cognitive development, and social interactions during play can positively impact development. Games such as Chutes and Ladders and Go Fish support increasing skills in taking turns, decision-making, and critical thinking (Raising Children, 2022). Check out our blogs on infant and toddler play!

Sleep

Sleep plays a crucial role in children's cognitive development, supporting brain function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. During sleep, the brain processes information learned throughout the day, helping to strengthen neural connections and enhance learning. Adequate rest also fosters attention, problem-solving skills, and creativity, enabling children to perform better academically and socially. Prioritizing sleep is essential for nurturing a child's overall growth and cognitive abilities. Ensure your child receives the recommended amount of sleep each night to support positive cognitive development (Millacci, 2022)(Dumaplin, 2024).

Education

Effective educational opportunities engage children in exploring their environmental surroundings and supporting children’s curiosity. Also, education-based activities encourage children to increase their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through various activities (American Public University, n.d.).

Stress and Trauma

Varying levels of stress and trauma impact children’s cognitive development in many ways. The overall structure of your child’s developing brain can be impaired and can potentially lead to a reduced brain cortex, impacting their learning, memory, decision-making, judgment, and executive functioning skills (McLean, 2016).

How to Identify Cognitive Delay

Cognitive skill challenges in children may arise from developmental delays, brain injuries, or trauma. Occupational Therapists (OTs) identify these issues and their impact on daily activities, improving skills and offering strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps to make them easier to complete (Building Blocks Occupational Therapy, 2024). Children living with cognitive delays may exhibit various behavioral and learning difficulties. These difficulties may include sensory dysregulation when physically touching others or physical barriers to reaching and grasping objects. Cognitive delays also negatively impact children’s social interaction, learning abilities, and behavior (Clark & Schlabach, 2013).

Cognitive Development Benchmarks

(Building Blocks Occupational Therapy, 2024)

By 7 months:

Your child can find objects that are partially covered/hidden
Your child will explore different objects using their mouth and hands

By 12 months:

Your child will explore different objects by shaking, hitting, throwing, and dropping them
Your child will find objects that are completely hidden
Your child will use objects with their intended use (brush hair or drinking from a cup)

By 18 months:

Your child will copy you completing different housework tasks

By 24 months:

Your child will begin to help undress themselves
Your child will be able to find objects that are hidden under more than one thing
Your child will begin to sort objects by color and shape
Your child will begin to participate in parallel play (playing beside others but with different toys)
Your child will begin to participate in imaginary play

By 3 years:

Your child will be able to operate and play with mechanical toys
Your child will participate in imaginary play with their dolls and stuffed animals
Your child will engage in cooperative play (playing with others to reach a shared goal)
Your child will be able to complete 3-4 piece puzzles
Your child will be able to independently undress themselves
Your child will be ready to begin toilet training

By 4 years:

Your child will be able to label colors correctly
Your child will be able to understand how to count
Your child will begin to understand how to tell time
Your child will be able to understand the difference between ‘same’ and ‘different’

By 5 years:

Your child will be able to count 10+ objects
Your child will be able to understand how to use everyday items (money, food)
Your child will be able to learn through language processing and apply reasoning/logic
Your child will show signs that they are excited to learn

6+ years:

Your child will be able to figure out complex problems
Your child will identify and utilize their learning style
Your child will be able to solve math problems with visualization using objects

How to Support Cognitive Development Throughout Your Child’s Early Childhood

(Help Me Grow, n.d.)(Millacci, 2022)

0-6 months

Talk with your baby about what you both can see, making sure that they can see your facial expressions
Read with your baby using various voices for each character and show/point to the pictures and talk about them
When you notice your baby is becoming bored (fussy), switch activities to keep them interested
During tummy time, place toys a little ways out of reach but within their view
Mobiles with simple patterns and colorful contrasts can support children’s visual development and increase their focus
During play, hold a rattle or other toy 8-12 inches in front of your baby's face then slowly move from side to side to increase attention, eye movement, and tracking

1 year

Narrate what you see to your child by naming colors, shapes, and objects, especially if your child is pointing at objects
During play, hide your child's toys to encourage them to look for and find the different toys or play peek-a-boo
Begin adding simple directions throughout your interactions with your child (ex: pick up your doll)

2 years

Play simple games with your child, such as hide-and-seek
Encourage your child to label what they see by asking them to name different colors, shapes, or animals they see both in person and when reading books
Begin adding two-step directions throughout interactions with your child (ex: pick up your doll and put it in your toy bin)

3 years

Encourage your child to participate in pretend play; check out our blog on pretend play to learn more!
Play follow-the-leader style games with your child
Incorporate simple songs, such as nursery songs, into play with your child

4 years

Encourage your child to help with simple chores around the house (ex: wiping the table after meal times)
Encourage your child to count by counting along with them
At the end of the day, ask your child to tell you about their day, or after reading a book, ask them to recall parts of a story
Encourage your child to make decisions by providing them with various choices

5 years

Support your child’s language development by using complete sentences and “grown-up” words, and help your child use correct wording and phrasing when talking with them
When drawing with your child, begin drawing animals and people that are familiar with your child and have them identify each of the pictures
Incorporate maze activities and puzzles into your child’s play to increase working memory, executive function, cognitive flexibility, spatial learning, visual-motor coordination, decision-making, and spatial abilities.

Occupational Therapy and Cognitive Development

Your child’s cognitive abilities impact their engagement in daily activities, such as dressing, showering, social interaction, play, and more! If you notice a delay in your child’s cognition, make sure to check with your family's pediatrician.

Home Strategies

Occupational therapists have a variety of interventions that support cognitive development. Some home strategies to use are visual cues, reduced clutter in frequently used spaces, routine modifications, and stress management. Visual cues can support children’s identification of what they would like to communicate. Reduced clutter will allow for improved visual scanning since there are fewer objects within the space. Routine modifications can work on various cognitive skills, depending on your child, such as creating a schedule with provided steps to work on sequencing and grouping. Stress impacts health and cognitive development, and adding stress management skills into your home can support your children’s development. Stress management skills can include breathing exercises, scheduling breaks, and spending time with others (Covell-Pierson, 2023).

Assessments

(Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, 2024)

The Brief Interview for Mental Health Status
Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills
Executive Function Performance Test
Dynamic Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment

Interventions

(Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, 2024)

Education on strategies to help with memory and attention

Sensory integration activities: sensory play and calming techniques
Visual supports: visual schedules and graphic organizers
Memory games: matching games and sequence games
Environmental modifications: minimize distractions and establish routines
Physical activity: movement breaks
Social interaction: role-playing and group activities

Education for parents on their child’s current cognitive level

Assessment and evaluation
Workshops and trainings
Resource development
Modeling and role-playing
Goal setting
Promoting play-based learning
Create a supportive environment

Cognitive activities to retrain different areas of their brain

Executive functioning: planning and memory activities
Attention and focus: Simon says and mindfulness exercises
Problem-solving and critical thinking: puzzles and logic activities
Memory skills: storytelling and teaching chunking (grouping information to remember more)
Language and communication: I spy, 20 questions, and create stories together
Visual-spatial skills: building blocks and art projects
Social skills and emotional regulation: role-playing
Fine-motor and hand-eye coordination: crafts and obstacle courses
Sensory integration: sensory play
Technology integration: educational apps and interactive video games

Children’s cognitive development refers to the progression of thinking, problem-solving, and learning abilities from infancy through adolescence. This process is influenced by a range of factors, including genetics, environment, nutrition, social interactions, education, parental involvement, and exposure to stress or trauma. To support cognitive development, caregivers and educators can provide stimulating environments rich in learning opportunities, engage in meaningful interactions, ensure proper nutrition, and promote emotional security. Activities such as reading, playing games, and encouraging curiosity can also foster cognitive growth, helping children develop essential skills for lifelong learning.

References

American Public University. (n.d.). Why is early childhood education

important for children? American Public University. https://www.apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/education/resources/why-is-early-childhood-education-important-for-children/#:~:text=Cognitive%20Development%20in%20Early%20Childhood%20Education&text=A%20key%20benefit%20of%20early,develop%20their%20critical%20thinking%20skills.

Building Blocks Occupational Therapy. (2024). Cognitive skills.

Building Blocks Occupational Therapy. https://bbot.com.au/services/cognitive-skills/

California Department of Education. (2024). Cognitive development

domain. California Department of Education. https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/re/itf09cogdev.asp#:~:text=The%20term%20cognitive%20development%20refers,are%20particularly%20attuned%20to%20people.

Clork, G. & Schlabach, T. (2013). Systematic review of occupational

therapy interventions to improve cognitive development in children ages birth-5 years. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67, 425-430. https://research.aota.org/ajot/article/67/4/425/1162/Systematic-Review-of-Occupational-Therapy

Covell-Pierson, K. (2023). Cognitive interventions in the home: A

practical approach for OT professionals. OccupationalTherapy.com, Article 5638. https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/articles/cognitive-interventions-in-home-practical-5638

Dumaplin, C. (2024). 2 month old sleep schedule. Taking Cara Babies.

https://takingcarababies.com/2-month-old-sleep-schedule#content

Dumaplin, C. (2024). 4 month old sleep schedule. Taking Cara Babies.

https://takingcarababies.com/4-month-old-sleep-schedule#content

Dumaplin, C. (2024). 6 month old sleep schedule. Taking Cara Babies.

https://takingcarababies.com/6-month-old-sleep-schedule#content

Dumaplin, C. (2024). 9 month old sleep schedule. Taking Cara Babies.

https://takingcarababies.com/9-month-old-sleep-schedule#content

Dumaplin, C. (2024). 12 month old sleep schedule. Taking Cara Babies.

https://takingcarababies.com/12-month-old-sleep-schedule#content