If I could choose one topic to research in the early childhood field and not worry about the current day restrictions it would be the topic of Autism. In my current program we have a couple of children who has been diagnosed with autism. The problem is it took their mothers 5 years to decide to get them tested for autism. Although I am not a doctor I was able to recognize that the children had some type of autism and pleaded with the parents to talk to their pediatrician about it. I am glad that they were finally diagnosed because we can now understand their needs better.
A child’s autism diagnosis affects every member of the family in different ways. Parents and caregivers must place their primary focus on helping the child with autism, which may put stress on their marriage, other children, work, finances, and personal relationships and responsibilities. Parents have to shift their resources of time and money towards providing treatment and interventions for their child, to the exclusion of other priorities. The needs of a child with autism complicates family relationships, especially with siblings.I think that by trying to find the causes of autism and maybe ways to help children and families cope with it better would be a great accomplishment for the early childhood field.
Deon,
ReplyDeleteI certainly can appreciate your passion for the research of Autism, as one of my children has a diagnosis of Asperber's Syndrome, which is on the Autism spectrum. As an early childhood educator, it is important to understand that there is not a cookie cutter ideal on what Autism looks like, as it often presents itself as unique as the child who has it. I wish you well on your research of Autism, and look forward to tracking your journey along the way. :)
Pamela
Deon with Autism affecting 1 in 68 children this is a definite need in the field of research. In have worked with two children in my early childhood career who had Autism. As a teacher I tried to work and support the families as best as possible. However just in the past four to five years there has been more information about Autism, than there was when I was in the classroom. I will say more awareness has been made on the issue. This research topic sadly comes at some risk to children and families, because of the depth of the Disorder.
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