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
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.
I have always been interested in learning more about autism. I have a friend who has a son with autism. She always have mention about how difficult he can to deal with. I also enjoyed the subtopics they could be very helpful to someone who deals with children who are autistic.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your progress as you proceed in your research. I am also researching cognitive disabilities. I question if our center's high rate of cognitive disabilites is due to being members of low income families. Your research will give me insite and some further direction. Thanks
ReplyDeleteCurrently I teach fifth grade in an elementary school. Just last year I had an autistic student who was included in the regular setting classroom. He was pulled out for a few hours a day for core subject areas in a resource setting but spent most of the day with the other students in my homeroom. My other students were aware of the child's disability, as they have been in class with him for many years. He did require many accommodations with academics and had peculiar social behaviors; however, for the most part he was able to function in the regular classroom. I do feel that these students sometimes require a dedicated teacher who is willing to go above and beyond to make their success in the regular classroom possible. Good luck with your research, and I look forward to following your work.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAutism is a great research topic. This is an area that intrest me also. Autism is a condition that is not fully understood yet. I'm very intrested in learning what cause autism and how it can be cured. This will probably take years, maybe even centuries but im hopeful that there will be more information soon.
ReplyDelete