Human Development, Body Functions, and Conditions Across the Lifespan
Domain 2 examines development, body functions, and lifespan conditions as they shape occupational performance. Expect items on milestone sequencing, red flags, condition-specific presentation, and age-appropriate expectations.
Core rules
- Development is cephalocaudal and proximodistal, with variation. Assess gross motor, fine motor, visual-motor, speech-language, social-emotional, and adaptive/self-care domains, and compare function with daily demands, not only age norms.
- Primitive reflexes should integrate on schedule; persistence can signal neurological risk. Postural reactions and sensory processing support later motor planning.
- Body functions include mental, sensory, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and pain functions. The same impairment may produce different activity limitations depending on environment and stage of life.
- Lifespan conditions include cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, learning disorders, stroke, TBI, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, arthritis, and dementia. Know typical onset, progression, and common occupational consequences.
- Screen for medical red flags and refer when findings exceed OT scope.
Worked example
A 7-year-old with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy wants to join classroom art. The OT observes tight hip adductors, limited trunk control, and difficulty managing scissors. Rather than focusing only on walking, the plan addresses supported seating, pre-positioned materials, adapted scissors, and graded practice with peers. The outcome is participation in art, with body function and environment both considered.
Traps
Using adult norms for children; labeling a delay without checking prematurity, culture, and opportunity; missing regression or loss of milestones; and planning for a diagnosis rather than this child's occupational routine. Do not treat reflex persistence as harmless if it interferes with function.