From the Paper "CLUMSINESS: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE RELATED TO EDUCATION
Abstract
This research reviewed the literature with educational implications that is related to clumsiness. Clumsiness is defined generally as a lack of age-adequate motor skills, in the absence of clear neurological impairment, in people with normal intelligence.
Clumsiness in children most often is a manifestation of impaired motor skill development. Motor skills are smoothly timed muscular movements enabling procedures to be undertaken. There are four primary motor skill components--accuracy, speed, economy of effort, and flexibility. Each of the four components of motor skill are essential to the automatization of a performance .."
Abstract This paper describes a battle scene, in Humberto Solas' 1968 film "Lucia" in which the clumsiness of the interaction speaks loudly to the process of creation in historical films. The author points out that, by using this interaction, the ways in which "Lucia" attempts to manipulate the past and understand its complex relationship with both the present and future becomes apparent. The paper relates that the chaos and complexity of these epic scenes' vast compositions seem to pulse with the frenetic disorder of reality of a late 1960s movie set rather than the reality of the 1895 revolution. The paper concludes that, as a pro-revolution Cuban filmmaker operating under the dictates of Fidel Castro's communist regime, Solas created a film that says almost nothing about the 1895 revolution but speaks very loudly about 1968.
From the Paper "As a young man, Humberto Solas participated in Cuba's communist revolution. Although the communist regime waged a fierce purge of gay Cubans, he managed to keep his sexuality off of the government radar and soon became a prominent filmmaker. Considering Solas' support of revolution, and the fact that the government censored the output of Cuban artists, it makes perfect sense that Lucia would have a pro-revolutionary message. This logic is borne out: the Spaniards are portrayed as aggressors, and the only one afforded dialogue is the heartless and conniving Rafael."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination and analysis of the causes, symptoms and treatments available for children that have been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. The paper discusses several different concepts that have been used to diagnose Asperger's in children and discusses the differences between adults and children. Using an extensive table, the paper then lists some of the symptoms including qualitative impairment in social interaction, restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities. According to this author, the disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning although there is no clinically significant general delay in language. Some children with Asperger's may also have social problems, including extreme egocentricity, or limited interests and preoccupations, including repetitive routines or rituals, motor clumsiness or a compulsive interest in a specific field such as math or science or reading. The paper concludes with the presentation of some guidelines to help teachers deal effectively with children in their classroom that may suffer from with Asperger's syndrome. These include the importance of structure and consistency in the school day, the importance of allowing some flexibility in the rules, the encouragement of the child's special area of interest and the avoidance of power struggles wherever possible. The paper also details the different types of interventions that are available to professionals including the use of visual accommodations, providing a sensory diet, choice and emotion cards and visual task analysis.
From the Paper "In some cases there is a clear hereditary component, with one parent (most often the father) showing either the full picture of AS or at least some of the traits connected with AS; genetic factors seem to be more common in AS compared to more classic autism. Temperamental traits such as having concentrated and limited interests, compulsive or rigid style and social awkwardness or nervously also seem to be more common, alone or in combination, in relatives of AS children.Sometimes there will be a positive family history of autism in relatives, further strengthening the impression that AS and autism are occasionally related conditions. Other studies have demonstrated a fairly high rate of depression, both bipolar and unipolar, in relatives of children with AS, portentous a genetic link in at least some cases. It seems likely that for AS, as for autism, the clinical picture we see is probably influenced by many factors, including genetic ones, so that there is no single individual cause in most cases. Christopher Gillberg, a Swedish physician who has studied AS extensively, has proposed six criteria for the diagnosis, elaborating upon the principle set forth in DSM-4."
Abstract This paper looks at multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease of the central nervous system in which the myelin, which normally insulates nerve fibers and helps conduction of impulses, is damaged in random areas. It examines the different symptoms of MS which include feelings of weakness, clumsiness or exhaustion at the beginning followed by double vision, weakness of the arms and legs, muscle stiffness, dizziness, loss of bladder control, depression and memory loss. It evaluates the current myths and misconceptions about the disease such that it is fatal and everyone with MS ends up in a wheelchair. It describes the current courses of treatment and how the MS patient must learn to accept the changes in their life brought about by the disease, such as changes in work capabilities and changes in lifestyle.
From the Paper "As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe and may leave lasting disabilities between actual episodes, so the MS patient will have to make adjustments to their life as the disease develops. This may mean changing jobs or working hours, making adjustments in the workplace and home to cater to a wheelchair or other assistive devices, changes in lifestyle such as taking a nap frequently when the patient gets tired easily, limiting travel and having help in the home. The MS patient has to make many adjustments to cope with the changes in their capabilities brought about by MS, but they can still lead full, rewarding lives, and still work. If they are one of the lucky ones who have long periods of remission between episodes, they may be able to function normally for long periods of time, and just learn to make the necessary adjustments during episodes of MS flare-up."
Abstract This paper provides a general overview of Ataxia, a neurological condition, wherein spinal and cerebellum nerve cells slowly but progressively deteriorate. It describes the characteristics of the disorder, treatments used to help alleviate its symptoms, the prognosis for those who suffer from Ataxia and the genetics of the disorder. It also discusses the diagnosis of the disease, its progress, the different types of Ataxia, and the parts of the body most affected by it.
From the Paper "Ataxia is a neurological disorder that is characterized by unsteady walking, loss of muscle coordination and slurred speech. It is no longer a rare condition in that more is known about it. It is dominant hereditary, recessive or sporadic. It is dominant hereditary if both parents pass the gene on to their offspring and DNA tests detect this condition. It is recessive when only one parent transmits the gene. And it is sporadic if there is no evidence to show this. Friedrich ataxia is the most common recessive type of ataxia, with first symptoms developing in childhood. The ataxia gene may also be mutated and develop into ATM. No cures are known for ataxia and the prospects are dim."
Abstract This paper examines racial profiling in the North American Criminal justice system. The paper presents a brief review of what racial profiling is, a few of its manifestations, what benefits it offers, and what disadvantages it presents that outweigh those benefits. The paper concludes that racial profiling remains far too clumsy and inaccurate a tool to be employed extensively.
From the Paper "Racial profiling is an exceedingly controversial subject. For many people, racial profiling by police organizations represents the last vestiges of institutionalized racism in our society. For others, however, racial profiling is a means of improving policing methods so that innocent men, women and children can be protected from criminal predators. This paper will examine what criminal profiling is, its various manifestations, what benefits it offers and what disadvantages it presents. This paper will also examine the subject from a "Cop Watch" perspective - that is to say, emphasizing the need for ordinary citizens to recognize and appreciate their rights. In the final analysis, racial profiling may offer superficial appeal, but its many shortcomings and complications make it ultimately untenable. "
Abstract This paper very briefly focuses the relationship between hegemonic globalization and terrorism. In particular, this paper emphasizes Palestine as a land colonized by others with the United States roundly supporting its alleged "client state", Israel. Among other things, the paper draws the link between Gulliver in Lilliput and the clumsy colossus, America, in the Middle East.
From the Paper "Few modern trends are as disturbing as the proliferation of terrorism in recent years. Since 9/11, the world has come to realize that no one is invulnerable from terrorist attack. This brief paper will examine the relationship between globalization and terrorism by examining the particular case of Palestine. As will soon become apparent, while globalization has brought riches to some, it has created anger, resentment and misery for many more. To begin with, globalization can be seen as a colonizing phenomenon, with powerful western nations imperiously lording over more impecunious lands. As Nassar states, "hegemony continues into the twenty-first century under the guise of globalization" (3). His conception of globalization then, is that it is imperialism under another banner. In the particular case of Palestine, anger and resentment arose out of the colonizing of their ancestral land by Zionists (Nasser 41). "
Abstract The paper explains that dyspraxia is an impairment in the ability to perform deliberate movements. The paper stresses that it is not caused by any defect in sensory or motor functions. The paper explains that a child with dyspraxia is unable to respond promptly or immediately to information received from the environment. The paper enumerates specific strategies that could prove helpful in realistically encouraging children and adults suffering from dyspraxia, which includes giving honest acknowledgements of difficulties and challenges and stressing that problems do not stem from lack of abilities or motivations. When individuals know someone needs support, they are more likely to support them. The paper presents techniques that help, such as allocating additional time to complete tasks and praising efforts rather than focusing on shortcomings related to achievements.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Diagnosis: Dyspraxia
II. Dyspraxia is Not
III. Development Determinations
IV. Counters but No Cure
V. Conclusion
From the Paper "The term "clumsy child syndrome" was coined in 1975 describing children with normal intelligence, without identifiable neurological or medical conditions, experiencing coordination problems that interfered with academic performance and/or socialization. Currently, however, "clumsy child syndrome" is regularly identified as ". . . "developmental coordination disorder" (DCD), essentially a recapitulation of Gubbay's diagnostic criteria, that is formalized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3d ed. (DSM-III) (4) and revised in the fourth edition (DSM-IV)." (Ibid)"
Abstract This paper explains that, while Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is not to be confused with autism because they are distinctly different to the trained medical personal, according to scientific research AS is part of what is called "the autistic spectrum". The author describes the current use of several screening (assessment) questionnaires for the evaluation of primary-school-age children and the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS), which can be completed by anyone who knows the child well including parents, teachers, siblings, speech-language pathologists and psychologists. The paper relates that the "ideal" treatment for AS coordinates therapies, which address the three core symptoms of AS---poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines and physical clumsiness.
Table of Contents:
Generalizations: Asperger's Syndrome vs. Autism
Epidemiology of Asperger's Syndrome
Assessments of Children for Asperger's Syndrome
Treatment and Intervention available for Asperger's
From the Paper "Meanwhile, children who suffer from AS are eligible, under federal law, for special educational services appropriate to their needs, according to the "Harvard Mental Health Letter". The AS child qualified for teacher aide assistance, tutoring, "a special curriculum," and in some instances, a special school. What AS students need in terms of educational support are consistent and very clear instructions, and a "routine" they can count upon. The instruction they require includes learning to "maintain eye contact," learning to read others' facial expressions, and to grasp "what is and what is not socially acceptable.""
