Daniela’s Development - Nature and Nurture

        In regards to Daniela’s development I feel as though culture is playing a huge part in her development. Daniela may be dealing with issues feeling excepted by her peers and other individuals. Her parents had the chance to understand their culture and get a better understanding of their beliefs and country in which they were born. But since Daniela was born in the United States was not able to learn much about her culture and where she is from. As we all are aware of the United States is quite different from other countries and since Maria does not have the support of her husband when it came to cultural teaching for her child that makes it hard for Daniela to get a clear understanding. Also with Manuel abandoning Daniela so young she was not able to learn much about her culture and get an understanding of where she was from.

        There are several definitions for Nature and Nurture but there are two in particular that fit Daniela’s situation. According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary Nature is “is the inherent character or basic constitution of a person or thing.” (Merriam-Webster, 2016) Nurture on the other hand as it pertains to Daniela mean “the sum of the environmental factors influencing the behavior and traits expressed by an organism.” (Merriam-Webster, 2016) In easier terms nature refers more to genetics while nurture revolves around an individual’s environment. The fact that Daniela has issues with not being able to adjust to changes and is often moody and sensitive could be a result of her environment. Her dad leaving could be a result of these issues as well as the fact that the man that she thought was her father verbally disowned her.

        As a human service professional I would have several concerns with Daniela environment at home and at school as it pertains to her development. One concern would be how Maria will be able to provide a stable place for Daniela to live due to the fact that she is disabled. Moving from place to place will only make it harder for Daniela to stay at grade level and make friends with her peers. I would inform Maria that there are programs in place to help her financially therefore she could have what she needs to ensure Danial’s stability. The second concern I would have would be asking Maria has Daniela been evaluated by a doctor preferably with a psychiatrist to ensure that the different issues that she is experiences is not because of a missed diagnoses such as ADD or ADHD. As a human service professional I would start bringing u these issues by making sure that Maria understand that I am here to help and my main focus is ensuring Daniela’s best interest. I would let Maria know that what we talk about is confidential and that I am not there to judge her for her situation. I would ask Maria what she wants for Daniela as far as her education is concerned. I would inform Maria that it would be very beneficial for Daniela to see a specialist who could possible help address some of Daniela’s behavior and emotional issues. I would explain to Maria that early intervention is the best way to ensure that Daniela has the least stressful and enjoyable childhood as well as adulthood.