Abstract This paper looks at some of the challenges that are faced by families with an autisticchild. It begins by presenting a case study of a family who struggled to diagnose a child with autism. It also discusses crisis issues within families who have children with autism. The paper then analyzes a study that looks at whether there is a connection between language and theory of mind between autistic children and those with moderate learning difficulties.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Families with Autistic Children and Crisis
Methods
Results
Conclusion
From the Paper "In another study titled, "The Broader Cognitive Phenotype of Autism in Parents: How Specific is the tendency for local processing and executive dysfunction?" (Bolte, 2006, p. 639) showed parents of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children performed faster in processing their children with a myriad of interactive tests (Embedded Figures Test, Block Design, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Tower of Hanoi, and Trailmaking Test) compared to parents with schizophrenia or mental retardation (640-1). It seems that autistic children need more attention from parents compared to the other children having schizophrenia and mental retardation. As the parents learn to cope with autistic disorder, their children seem to trust and cope with their parents."
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the affects of stress on the family of an autisticchild. The writer examines stressors that are indigenous to families with autistic children and explores avenues of resolving or relieving the stress. This project examines the stress of families dealing with an autisticchild and looks at some of the things that are being done to help reduce it. The writer explains that autism can be a devastating diagnosis for parents who often spend months trying to get to the bottom of what is happening with their once vibrant, developing toddler. The writer concludes that with what is currently known about stress and autism it becomes evident that social contact and formal training can help parents alleviate and reduce the stress level within the family when they have an autisticchild.
Outline:
Proposal
Introduction
Literature Review
Discussion
From the Paper "Once the diagnosis process is complete the parents are left with trying to care for the child who can be trying at best and the family is often thrown into a very stressful environment as family members work to maintain a sense of normalcy while coping with the elements of autism. One of the more draining aspects of having a child in the family with autism is the stress that it can create. Stress has long since been known to create health issues, cause divorce and create family and relationship disharmony in ways that are sometimes irreparable. It is important to understand exactly how having a child with autism impacts the family by the stress that it causes. It is by that understanding that future programs can be developed to help alleviate the stress."
Tags:autistic, developmental, disorder, communication
Abstract This paper explains and defines Facilitated Communication (F/C) as a technique used to help some persons with limited or no speech to communicate by typing or pointing. A facilitator provides both physical and emotional support. It examines why this treatment is used on autistic children and why the support factor is so essential in developing a communicative relationship with the child.
From the Paper "Ever since the syndrome of autism was first recognized and named, parents have been concerned with the lack of communication they have with their autistic children. While other aspects of autistic behavior are also extremely disturbing, the inability to understand what their children wanted, or were experiencing, was for many parents the most frustrating element. This frustration seemed as if it would be alleviated by the introduction of a new technique, known as facilitated communication."
Abstract The paper describes several activities that encourage communication in the classroom setting. The paper discusses the do-watch-listen-say model of socialization that is a means by which children plan and solve problems by imitation. The paper then discusses when standardized assessments of children with severe language and communication delays are initiated. Finally, the paper identifies naturalistic and structured teaching approaches that offer few opportunities for an autisticchild to have time on his own and subject him to an environment where he is given little choice but to communicate.
Outline:
Opportunities for Communication
The Do-Watch-Listen-Say Model of Socialization for Children
Standardized Assessments
Communication Interventions
From the Paper "Three different opportunities for Shelly to communicate can be seen in scenarios involving musical instruments, during lunch and outdoor play activities. For the musical instrument activity, the environment can be modified in such a way that Shelly and the other students face each other without desks (such as in a circle). The play space must be adequate to prevent crowding and conflicts, yet facilitate interaction. The activity would involve the children listening to different musical instruments. Each one would pick one favorite musical instrument sound that drew their attention. They would be prompted to gradually communicate as the sound kept their attention. The end result would be learning common social communications skills such as greeting and saying good bye, asking permission, introducing one' self, etc."
Abstract This paper discusses what is considered to be the worst form of family violence, child abuse. This paper summarizes a recent case of child abuse indicating why it is a particularly bad form of family violence. While this particular case cannot be said to be a typical form of family violence, it nonetheless required action from authorities to intervene on behalf of the child. This paper argues that policy changes could and probably should be implemented to limit the exposure of children to this specific type of family violence.
Abstract This paper discusses a hypothetical custodial and child support-related case (Smith vs. Smith), in which the father is suing for child support payments from his ex-partner, despite the fact that neither is the child's biological parent. The paper essentially discusses the issue of child custody when reproductive technology is used and the extent of responsibility by the parties involved.
From the Paper "Still, child support modification cases have increasingly stressed appropriateness of situation, in lieu of traditional family structures, such as Graham v. Graham (Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, 1991, Areen 822-825). This case stressed how cohabitation and remarriage should not necessarily be a factor in deciding fitness, unless these issues adversely affect the life of the child, as well as the fact that states are taking a more active role in ensuring that individuals continue to take an active financial and personal life in the lives of their child, even subsequent to a divorce. This goes even so far as to suspend driver's licenses for individuals who shirk appropriate court-ordered support payments, as in State Department of Revenue v. Beans (Supreme Court of Alaska, 1998, Areen 853-856)."
Abstract This paper researches the effects autistic children can have on their family. The author reviews literature and studies on this issue and finds that, not only is family life affected, it is common that parents of children with autism tend to show deficits in social interaction. Furthermore the progress and well being of siblings of an autisticchild might be affected. These viewpoints are expanded on with the author explaining how early diagnosis and social support can help families cope with their child's developmental delay or disability.
Outline:
Introduction
Effects on Parents & Siblings
Effects on Life of Family in Normal Activities
Adapting and Coping Strategies
Findings
Summary & Conclusion
From the Paper "Autism is a disease that has a major impact upon the family of the child with this disorder, which include emotional, functional, social, financial, as well as others, which will be related in this study. The precise cause of Autism is not known however, researchers are examining the genetic and environmental causes and some state a belief that autism is likely a disorder that is biologically based. However, recently there have been reports, which address the potential of vaccines to cause this disorder as the number of children diagnosed as being Autistic has increased over recent years. Behavioral modification is the most prominent form of treatment being utilized presently to treat this disorder."
Tags: development disorders, behavioral disorders, social disorders, social support
Abstract This paper assesses the recent advances in the treatment of the autisticchild. This paper shall first present a discussion of autism, including how the autisticchild relates to his or her environment. This paper then investigates the information concerning the education of the autisticchild, with an emphasis on the discoveries and the techniques that have proven to be the most beneficial for the child. The conclusion comments on why these specific techniques have had such a profound impact on the autisticchild, and how these advances might be better put to use in the future.
Abstract The paper explains that sensory integration therapy is an attempt to rectify sensory disparity and dysfunction in autistic children. The paper presents the profile of the autisticchild who would most benefit from this therapy. The paper relates that research shows how sensory integration therapy can improve the child's ability to play and interact better with his/her surroundings. The paper notes, however, that it may be uncomfortable and create a less than positive situation for the development of the child. The paper concludes that it is therefore important that the therapist be fully trained in the latest theories and praxis.
From the Paper "Numerous studies in recent years have shown that there is a possible link between sensory integration therapy and improving the quality of life for autistic children. This form of therapy is seen as a "....valuable tool to teach autistic children how to interact with their environment." ( Evans R.) The problem of sensory integration is a crucial factor for many autistic children. It is very often the case that the sensory impulses of the child conflict with and are contradicted by those expected by the society in which they have to interact."
Abstract This paper discusses the inclusion process used for autistic students. The paper first explains that, when including autistic children into a general education classroom, specific areas that must be addressed are adaptations, therapeutic interventions, attitudes and parent-provider relationships. The paper then presents the advantages and disadvantages of placing autistic students in a self-contained class or being included in a general education class. This inclusion process, the paper indicates, has advantages and disadvantages for the autisticchild, the regular students and the teacher. The paper concludes that the case for inclusion is strong if the student is capable of doing the work assigned and not acting out in class and if the teacher is prepared for this additional responsibility.
Table of Contents:
Introduction - Autism Spectrum Disorder
Inclusion and Self-Contained
Pros and Cons of Inclusion
Pros and Cons of Self-Contained
Inclusion and the Autistic Student
Pros
Cons
Ways to Facilitate the Autistic Student in the Inclusion Process
Ways to Facilitate the General Education Student in the Inclusion Process
Conclusion
From the Paper "A failure like that can breed more failures and lower levels of confidence than would be seen if the student was allowed to hold his or her own or even excel in an autistic or special education classroom. Confidence that might have been seen by allowing these students access to general education classes might be lost in the students' lack of ability to keep up with general education students. There is also a concern about classifying students as autistic students and then putting them in with the general education population."
This paper is a classical review of two published psychology studies: "? Good Behavior Game on the Disruptive Behavior of Sudanese Elementary School Students" by Saigh and Umar and "? the Rate of Social Interaction in an AutisticChild" by Wildman and Sim
880 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 31.95
Abstract This paper explains that the purpose of "? Good Behavior Game on the Disruptive Behavior of Sudanese Elementary School Students", by Saigh and Umar, was to address the concern for the social validity of the good behavior game in a developing country that is unfamiliar with behavior modification. This paper reports that the purpose of "? the Rate of Social Interaction in an AutisticChild", by Wildman and Simon, was to collect data relevant to changes in frequency of interactions between an autisticchild and his parents while engaging in skill training.
Table of Contents (for each article)
Reference and Purpose of Study
Procedures Used in the Study
Results of the Study
Evaluation of the Article
From the Paper "Strengths of the study include the methods used, which were thorough. For example, the subjects chosen were considered by the teachers and principal, to be representative of the population of students in rural public schools. Target behaviors were adequately derived and operationally defined, and observers were trained in their coding. Efforts were made to insure the appropriateness of reinforcement choices. Interrater reliability was determined for all phases of the study. "
Abstract This paper presents a case study of a three year-old male child diagnosed with autism. The paper uses the developmental psychopathology macro-paradigm to discuss the child's situation from several different perspectives. These perspectives are: biological, behavioral, cognitive, emotional, evolutionary and family systems.
From the Paper "Jake is a three-year-old African American boy who has been diagnosed with autism. Using a developmental psychopathology macro-paradigm, Jake'situation will be discussed from the following perspectives: biological, behavioral..."
Abstract This thesis focus looks at the correlation between child abuse and childhood depression among Latino children, in terms of whether child abuse contributes to childhood depression. The thesis focuses on the Latino community that resides in California. This community is made up of first-generation immigrants and their families, who have been born in the United States. The thesis explores what child abuse is, how it can be measured, and also what depression is, the most likely causes for depression, and how depression can be measured. The factors that contribute to all of these conditions within the Latino community are also discussed in terms of what cultural factors are important in determining the levels of these conditions within the community, both internally (i.e., culturally) and externally (i.e., socio-politically). The links between abuse (intrafamilial and inter-racial) and depression are then explored, and conclusions are drawn regarding the factors that contribute to childhood depression in this racial group within the United States.
Introduction
Problem Statement
Significance
Purpose
Latino's in the US: Characteristics and Diagnosed Mental Health Needs
Need for Mental Health Care
High-Need Populations
Availability of Mental Health Services
Access to Mental Health Services
Use of Mental Health Services
Appropriateness and Outcomes of Mental Health Services
Latino's in Society: Welfare and Minority Families Legislative and Legal Advocacy of Latino Families The Formalization of Informal Latino Family Supports
Child Abuse
What is Abuse?
Incidence of Child Abuse
Diagnosing Abuse
The Dimension of the Problem
Prevalence Studies
Rate of Child Abuse Increase
Potential Long-Term Effects of Abuse
Depression
Scope of the Problem
Clinical Characteristics
Risk Factors
What is Depression?
Depression in Children
Treatments for Childhood Depression
Latino's and Depression: How is Depression Expressed?
Levels of Depression in the Latino Community
Risk Factors that May Contribute to Clinical Depression
Implications in the Latino Community
Single Parents
Lack of Resources
Discussion
From the Paper "The Latino community has it's own deeply embedded cultural values and beliefs. Obedience is an important element for a family to be considered a good family (una buena familia). For the purpose of this study, the parents may be mother and father, or possible the grandparents, all of which will be addressed as the primary caregiver.
The Latino family defines discipline as a form of corporal punishment; the caretakers themselves may have been abused as children, and therefore consider corporal punishment an acceptable way to hand out discipline. Furthermore, it is difficult to get caretakers to see that when they discipline a child with corporal punishment, they are discharging their own anger on them, in many cases inflicting more pain and injury than was originally intended. The child then feels powerless and confused, and does not have labels for those feelings, and cannot verbalize what is happening to them, physically or emotionally."
Tags: treatment, risk, health, care, psychology, punishment, discipline
Abstract This paper explains that the proverb ---"It takes a whole village to raise a child" --- advocates that the upbringing of a child depends not only on the family but also on the whole community. The author presents arguments for and against this statement and concludes that, with it takes the family, then the community, and finally the whole world to raise a child.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Yes, It Takes A Village...
No, It Does Not Take A Village...
Villages outside the US
The Family and the Village
It Takes a Child...
The Global Village
From the Paper "Nowhere are the two opposing views of childrearing as evident as in Germany. Today's middle-aged generation from the former East Germany were institutionally raised typical of communist societies. Their peers who grew up in the West were raised in a very family-oriented setting by stay-at-home moms. The result is a clash of childrearing philosophies."
Tags:family community, girl scouts, contribute, peace corps
Abstract This paper studies and reviews coping strategies for mothers of autistic children. The paper begins by discussing the stressors faced by the mothers. Next the paper describes the results of cognitive defects in children. The paper includes a qualitative review of four published studies on the topic.
From the Paper "This study identified and explored the effectiveness of the coping strategies used by mothers of children with autism. By using a qualitative review of four published studies that incorporated interviews of mothers of children with autism this research..."
Tags: COPING STRATEGIES, MOTHERS, AUTISTIC CHILDREN