The topic I chose for research simulation project is, Autism
Spectrum Disorder and Young Children. I have always been interested in the nature
of learning disabilities and what it is like functioning with one.
My brother was diagnosed with ADD while he was in elementary
school. I remember how hard school was for him. My mother would work with him
for hours after school, just trying to get through his homework assignments.
She would make flash cards and charts and other tools to help him retain information.
Seeing his struggle to learn and my mother’s struggle to assist him, inspired
me to want to become a teacher. Seeing his progression through the support of
my mother and his teachers showed me that all children can flourish when given the
chance.
Of all of the learning disabilities I am familiar with, Autism Spectrum Disorder amazes me the most. I have worked with several children who have the disorder and as the name suggest, there is definitely a spectrum when it comes to the level of the disorder that the child displays. To me this disorder shows that cognitive abilities are not the only factor in a person’s ability to function in society. Autism makes it difficult for the individual to express themselves and cope in social situations. This lack of social skills makes living a completely independent life hard.
As a teacher, I would like to learn more about this disorder
in order to fully guide and facilitate developmentally appropriate learning in
children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If any of my colleagues has personal experience working with children
who have ASD or a family member who has it, I would love to gain some personal
insight. Thank You!
April,
ReplyDeleteI often wondered about disabilities especially in small children. I often learned that many environmental factors come with disorders. Or is it genetic disorders?
For example, I had a child with ADHD and I had to work with him one on one in a preschool setting; and then I had a child with Autism and he had to be worked with one on one. I think they need more specialized teachers and assistant teachers to deal with these children and more teachers in the classroom when you have 16 children and one child you have to work with, you neglect the other children. It's a double edge sword, because you want to help this child who needs you, but you do not want alienate the other children.
I am interested in what you find out, and the outlying resources that could help these children.
Good Luck!
April Finny
April B.,
ReplyDeleteYour topic for the research simulation project sounds very interesting. Autism has such a wide spectrum and each case is so different. I enjoyed reading your experience with your brother and mother. It is very interesting to me that it now seems as if so many more children are faced with this disorder. It makes you wonder why? I agree with you that the social aspect seems to always be a very hard struggle for children on the spectrum. I have not done extensive research on the disorder but have worked with many children in my classroom. I have enjoyed many of my experiences with students with this disorder and they have all been so unique to work with.
Staci