Author Question: What are the special vulnerabilities in young children that contribute to the development of ... (Read 23 times)

storky111 · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

What are the special vulnerabilities in young children that contribute to the development of psychological problems?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is unique about the mental retardation caused by PKU?

What will be an ideal response?

Eunice618 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Children have a more simplistic view of life than adults. They have less self-understanding and cannot grasp as
adults can what situations require of them nor what resources they have to cope with those situations. Therefore
immediate threats are more likely to seem overwhelming to children. Given this limited perspective, children use
unrealistic ideas to explain events. Children are also more dependent on other people than adults, and while this
may provide support, it also makes them vulnerable to rejection and inadequate or inappropriate modeling of
behavior.

Answer to Question 2

While many conditions inevitably result in brain damage and mental retardation, early
detection of PKU can prevent any adverse consequences. Children with PKU are unable to
metabolize phenylalanine. If they ingest food with this amino acid, it accumulates and
causes brain damage that leads to retardation. The mental retardation seen in PKU only
occurs if foods with phenylalanine are ingested, therefore it is preventable.