social smile

a smile in response to social stimuli. It is first seen in infants at about 4 to 6 weeks of age but is not frequent and unambiguous until about 3 months. An infant’s failure to reach this developmental milestone by 6 months is considered an early indication of autism. Compare endogenous smile.

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Psychology term of the day

January 13th 2025

genetic psychology

the study of the development of mental functions in children and their transformation across the lifespan. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the term was preferred over the synonymous developmental psychology.