Research that Benefits Children and Families

There have have been several studies regarding children with ADHD and successful treatments and interventions. It seems the number of children diagnosed with this disorder has increased in numbers over the years. Parents are faced with decisions that will not only benefit their children with ADHD but also have to consider the safety of treatment, more specifically medication treatments. I do know personally some parents who have struggled with the decision of weather or not to try medication as a treatment for their child with ADHD. When researching the types of medications used in clinical approaches one would find all effects, results, and out comes experienced by each participant in the study listed as potential side effects or risk of taking that medication; despite the likeliness of that same side effect or negative outcome occurring. Reading this information can be scary for a parent making the decision, and understanding the likeliness of the risks may be difficult with out medical guidance. I found an article discussing a study of adolescents taking ADHD medication and severe cardiovascular events. Previous studies had indicated drugs used to treat ADHD can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure in children. This led to concerns that medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could increase the risk of cardiovascular events in children and adolescents. An observational study conducted by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (http://www.med.upenn.edu/) and HealthCore Inc. concluded, they are no more likely to die from a severe cardiovascular events than those who do not take the medications(Targeted News Service,2011). Researchers found in reports 28 deaths in the group exposed to ADHD medications (incidence 1.79 per 10,000 person-years) and 607 in the control group, or those not exposed (incidence 3.00 per 10,000 person-years) (Targeted News Service, 2001). Sean Hennessy, PhD, an associate professor of Epidemiology at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania believes the findings of this study should reassure parents and caregivers of the safety from cardiovascular perspective (Targeted News Service, 2011). Researchers did not identify those who were exposed to ADHD medications have an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes related to these medications. This topic of concern continues to be examined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

No Increase in Severe Cardiovascular Events for Children, Adolescents Taking ADHD Medications, Penn Study Finds. (2011, May 16). Targeted News Service,Retrieved May 22, 2011, from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID: 2348890541).

My Personal Research Journey

The topic I have chosen for simulation is Autism in early childhood settings.  This topic is dear to me because of my connection to individuals with disabilities in my professional work experience.  I have worked with several individuals with Autistic spectrum disorder and have knowledge of clinical views and practices when supporting adults who are diagnosed.  I would like to expand my outlook of this disorder from a clinical experience to a educational outlook when meeting early childhood needs.  There has been much controversy over the years of the cause and treatment of this disorder which I would like to compare to classroom settings.  The subtopics I have included are:    
Addressing Physical and Emotional Needs

Children with autistic spectrum disorder have physical and emotional needs that differ from those of most children in early childhood educational settings.  The idea behind this subtopic is to understand the facts and myths about these children’s needs and what it takes for a classroom to support those needs.

Inclusive Teaching Strategies

This subtopic attempts to define effective teaching strategies in combined classrooms that benefit not only children with autism but also everyone in the group.

Benefits and Challenges of Socialization

Isolation of children with autism does not sound like the best way to help integrate them as individuals in the larger society.  Thus providing opportunities for socialization with other children seems to be important in helping autistic children develop social skills.  However, challenges also exist when reaping the benefits of socialization that parents and educators need to understand and consider when developing strategies for integration in early childhood settings.

Coming from a background of case management and counseling, it is important for me to incorporate my knowledge and experience in to my new ventures.  My future goal is to open an inclusive child care/ learning center.  Has any one had any experiences teaching children with this particular disorder?  If so, I would appreciate any insight or sharing of your experiences.  Or perhaps any research of which may be beneficial.