Intellectual Development across the Life Stages

I. Intellectual Development in Infancy (0-2 years)

Recognition of familiar faces and objects.
Rapid development of language skills, from crying to using simple words.
Curiosity and exploration are key, thus progressively understanding cause and effect.

II. Intellectual Development in Early Childhood (2-6 years)

Expanding vocabulary and mastering basic grammar.
Beginning to ask ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ questions, indicating a perception of the world.
Developing memory and imagination, leading to creative play and problem-solving abilities.

III. Intellectual Development in Middle Childhood (6-12 years)

Improved language skills leading to more complex sentence structures.
Ability to understand and grasp abstract concepts.
Mastering of reading and writing skills.
Beginning to use logic and reasoning to solve problems.

IV. Intellectual Development in Adolescence (12-19 years)

Development of more abstract thinking abilities.
Greater awareness of moral and ethical issues.
Development of personal opinion and sense of identity.
Increased ability for complex problem solving and decision making.

V. Intellectual Development in Early Adulthood (20-40 years)

Refinement and expansion of cognitive skills in problem solving, decision making, and critical thinking.
Focus on goal-oriented behaviour and planning for the future.
Continued learning about the self, others and the world.

VI. Intellectual Development in Middle Adulthood (40-65 years)

Use of life experience to inform decisions and problem-solving.
Continued learning and adaptability to change.
Increased desire for meaningful work and contributing to society.

VII. Intellectual Development in Late Adulthood (65+ years)

Some cognitive decline may occur, such as memory loss.
Continued desire for learning and mental stimulation, often through hobbies or interests.
Lifelong experiences can enhance wisdom and resilience.

Remember, everyone develops at their own pace and these stages aren’t definitive but give a general overview which could help you understand and answer questions about intellectual development across different stages of human life.