The Buzz is a weekly/biweekly post, in which I summarize and reference various articles and blogposts, etc. that might be of interest to Kids At Thought readers.
1). Jake was diagnosed with autism. He came a long way since starting Qigong Sensory Training (QST). Jake was a participant in a study run by a Western Oregon University on the effectiveness of QST in the treatment of children with autism.
The results? Teacher evaluations showed that children receiving the QST intervention had significant classroom improvement of social/language skills, and reduction in autistic behavior compared to wait-list controls,” according to the study’s abstract. “Parent reports of at-home behaviors confirmed the findings in the teacher data, indicating that the gains had generalized across contexts.”
2). Michelle Dawson has been making a name for herself as a researcher at the Rivière-des-Prairies hospital, part of the University of Montreal in Canada. Dawson also has autism. Her research interest? The cognitive advantages individuals with autism have over so called neurotypicals.
New Scientist has a fascinating article on Dawson’s work and findings. The article also takes a moment to acknowledge the controversial side of calling individuals with autism “advantageous.”
3). On a similar note, drug-maker Novartis announced that, following a small clinical trial involving a few dozen patients, a new experimental drug had been found to bring about significant improvements in the behaviors associated with retardation and autism in people with fragile X syndrome.
Whenever the words “cure for autism” are uttered, divisive debates ensue. One dad of a child with autism, in response to the mentioned news, writes the following about his son: “Charlie would have (I would hope) fewer challenges at school and in general and his activities and opportunities might not have to be as limited as they are [if he would take this medication]. But there’s something unique about Charlie to the core and whether or not he could be cured of that—-if he were, I’m not sure, would he still be Charlie?”
4). Parents are often so consumed by telling their children, especially those with ADHD, the hundred things they cannot and should not do, that they leave the child few choices about what they can do. The child is not sure what they can do, and will most likely end up doing more things you do not want. So how can you fix this common problem thousands of parents face?
Jason Johnson, MSW, writes a short yet insightful article on one effective technique that will help you deal with behaviors your child should not or cannot engage in.
For more tips on effective communication with your child read: How to Stop Yelling and Get Your Child to Listen.
5). Why do some children and adolescents engage in more risky and illicit behaviors than others? Conventional wisdom suggests that some adolescents engage in risky behavior because their executive cognitive functions haven’t matured. New research is showing the particular skills these children are deficient in are working memory and impulse control.
The researchers suggest early detection and intervention in these two areas may prevent children and adolescents from engaging in risky behaviors.
6). There are more aspects to becoming literate than just being able to read and write. A group of educators proposes early educators stop using a strength/weakness approach to early literacy, but should rather see a deficit as a “need,” which can then be translated into a goal that can be addressed.
There’s much more ideas and methods in this insightful video.
7). In July, a West Fargo family will fly to Dusseldorf, Germany, where their 5 year old son Ethan will undergo a stem cell treatment not available in the United States. Ethan and his twin sister, Ashlee, were born seven weeks premature at 4 and 3 pounds, respectively. Ethan has cerebral palsy.
While there’s no scientific evidence or research supporting this invasive treatment, this touching article (which, by the way, gives a nice shout out to occupational therapy)mentions its popularity and reports success stories from people who went to Germany to have it done.
Did I miss anything? Please feel free to fill us in by leaving a comment.
Related posts:
