Course Project ~ My Challenge

The challenge I selected was “Children with varying abilities” and sub topics are “Autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays (social, emotional, cognitive), and learning disabilities, because children in preschool and primary grades are falling through the educational cracks.  I believe that each subtopic overlaps the other in some form of learning.  In fact, some children might be caught in the red tape of what does or does not apply to their learning. In addition, it hurts me to see a child labeled as “bad” when in fact; there are no bad children, just children that are greatly misunderstood.  I desire to explore the different forms of learning available for children with varying abilities in fact; I want to know more to help children, teachers, and parents understand the many techniques to unlocking learning regardless of the issue at hand.  I believe all children can learn and every family has the ability to help that child.  Working with families bridging that gap of “my child has… and cannot do” to “my child can" will be a personal  and a professional accomplishment.

       

 

The subtopics are very dear to me; I have a long time friend with a grandson that displayed Autism at age two.  He is now nine years old and has overcome so many obstacles. The many forms of autism are amazing… “If you see one child with autism, you have seen one child with autism!” Each child display autism differently, in fact, autism has many levels, mild, moderate, and server.  My friend’s grandson’s autism was considered mild.   

The preliminary questions I have about working with children and families living with this challenge are:

1.      Do you believe your child can learn?

2.      Are you willing to collaborate with educators to help your child achieve and overcome obstacles?

3.      When do we start?

4.      When dealing with families, are they first in denial of their child’s developmental delay?

5.      How might one approach a parent with a young child that displays Autism, etc, in a caring manner?