Global study confirms healthy children develop in similar ways

Healthy children develop in similar ways, regardless of where they live according to a new study published in the Lancet.  The study of more than 10,000 children across four countries (defined as low to middle income countries), Argentina, India, South Africa and Turkey found that children will hit the same milestones as long as basic needs are met.

Previous research involving children reaching the same milestones did not pay enough attention to the health of the children and its impact on development researchers believe.

The universal tool used by the study, uses seven indicators to measure childhood development, expressive language, receptive language, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, relating, play and self help. 

NOTE:  The Lancet is a weekly peer reviewed general medical journal.