What Is Lifespan Development? 

Lifespan development is the process in which people grow and advance through different stages of life, including infancy, childhood, and adulthood. It encompasses these areas of growth: 

• Physical: Involves physical development (such as height changes, weight changes, and puberty)
• Cognitive: Involves mental development (such as problem-solving, knowledge, and language skills) 
• Social: Involves learning to interact with other individuals and form relationships 
• Perceptual: Involves engaging with one’s environment by using senses 
• Personality: Involves developing unique traits and behaviors that make oneself distinctive 
• Emotional: Involves learning about, expressing, and managing emotions (1) 

Generally, these areas mature during the aging process. However, developmental disabilities can cause delays in this growth. Common examples include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, and dyslexia. (2) 

If a parent suspects their child has a developmental delay, they may find it helpful to turn to a developmental psychologist. These professionals are knowledgeable about the human maturation process and can help identify and treat developmental disabilities. (3) While these disabilities may be diagnosed at any age, they’re most commonly caught in the early stages of development. (4)