Table 1.

Developmental domains

Developmental domains and subdomains	Description of domain
Cognitive39 40	Strategies and processes children develop to interpret and respond to their environment and experiences including; memory (ability to encode, retain and recall information over time) attention (the ability to choose what to focus on for a sustained period), that influence memory language skills which as the brain develops children acquire and refine language skills. Newborn explores the world by mouthing objects; and later explores the world by imitating actions, manipulating objects and planning two-step strategies to get what he wants. From 2 years, children increase their use of language and start make-believe play. In children aged 3–5 years there is rapid development in information processing (the speed and fluency of response following stimuli), cognitive flexibility (the ability to make and change strategies as required, and to simultaneously process multiple stimuli) and goal setting (the ability to plan strategies in a coherent and efficient order).
Language41
Receptive	Understanding of the spoken word and sentence structure
Expressive	Spoken vocabulary
Motor42
Fine motor	Ability to manipulate small objects
Gross motor	Ability to walk, run and coordinate complex physical activities
Social and emotional42 43	The ability to identify and understand one's own feelings and to accurately read and comprehend emotional states in others. Ability to regulate one's own behaviour, to develop empathy for others, and to establish and maintain relationships
Adaptive behaviour44	Collection of conceptual, social and practical skills that have been learned by people in order to function in their everyday lives