Some of the children that will enter our classroom may come from undesirable environments. As early childhood educators it is our responsibility to find strategies that will help those with autism, ADHD, and other environmental issues, to change their challenging behaviors into one that would be more suitable for learning. Children with autism have challenging behavior because their brains deal information in a different way. These children have a hard time learning to take turns and sharing with others. Autistic children are known for self-stimulating behavior such as; flapping of their arms when upset.
Misdiagnosing ADHD in Children When impulsive behavior, restlessness, absent-mindedness are the norm for a child, it may be a sign of ADHD. This illness is misunderstood by most of the population and thought of as an excuse for parents who cannot control their children, but “ADHD is very real, with very real symptoms, behaviors, and treatments” (Dr. Ronald Martino, 2008). The symptoms of ADHD are similar to the characteristics a young child with an inquisitive mind may posses, children get fidgety, impatient, curious, and emotional from time to time. Sometimes their attention wanders, they have questions they want answered, or they quiet simply need to run around and release some energy. However, the symptoms of ADHD are more serious than that of a child who has an inquisitive disposition.
There are many factors which will impact on the lives of children and young people. Such as criminal activity, poverty and religion. If a child is exposed to criminal activity or anti-social behaviour there are numerous ways this could affect them. If the behaviour is displayed by a role model the child may perceive it to be normal or acceptable and copy the behaviour. This could lead them to being unable to form positive and stable friendships due to disruptive behaviour, being unable to achieve academic goals or, in worse scenarios, imprisoned.
These include sensory difficulties, problems with social interaction, communication difficulties and a lack of flexibility and imagination. Children with Asperger’s also to tend to have obsessions or special interests. One classic indicator of A.S. is difficulties with social relationships, the child may try hard to socialise but become angry, upset or frustrated as they may be unaware of the social rules of play. This makes it difficult for the child to build friendships with their peers leading to anxiety and poor self-esteem. The child may have difficulties making and maintaining eye contact and with being touched by others unexpectedly.
Parents who misuse alcohol have many problems which impact on their ability to care and protect their children. They present as a risk for their children, when the parent under the influence of the alcohol. Furthermore, children suffer from neglect, emotional and psychological abuse. The children have no power except to learn how to cope with the pain by repressing their feelings. Repression occurs mainly in situations where children are not allowed to express certain feelings, such as anger.
Children of this age tend to be very impulsive. Their brains have not yet reached a balance. This is due to the “immaturity of the prefrontal cortex” [ (Berger, 2011) ]. This can lead children to make decisions without thinking about them fully or considering the consequences that could take place. At this time period children do not have the capability to use reason.
Laura Myers Psyc October 11, 2012 Negative Effects Of Children in Foster Care at the Infant Stage of Life The negative effects on children that are placed in foster care at the infant stage of life can be the result of many actions by the foster parent and the caseworker, as well as how much visitation the children have with their nature parent. Over the years many studies have been conducted in this area of children affected by foster care placement. These studies showed that there are a few negative effects on children placed in foster care at the infant stage of life. Among these are emotional problems, bonding issues, and identity issues with themselves and parental figures. Although doctors, counselors, and foster care workers try their hardest to protect the children placed in foster care, the damage can and still does occur.
Bowlby proposed that an internal working model (IWM) developed in childhood will determine or affect later adult relationships and how successful they are. Ainsworth’s strange situation helped develop three main types of attachment: secure, resistant and avoidant. Secure children develop a positive model of themselves and relationships as their primary caregiver was sensitive, emotionally responsive and supportive. Resistant children have parents who were inconsistent in their care giving, resulting in the child having a negative image of themself - often seeking attention but not finding comfort when they receive it. Avoidant children often have rejecting parents, which leads to them developing an internal model which makes them think they are unacceptable and unworthy.
"Conduct disorder" refers to a group of behavioral and emotional problems in youngsters. Children and adolescents with this disorder have great difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way. They are often viewed by other children, adults and social agencies as "bad" or delinquent, rather than mentally ill. Many factors may contribute to a child developing conduct disorder, including brain damage, child abuse, genetic vulnerability, school failure, and traumatic life experience. (1999 Harper Collins) As you see within the definition itself it refers to delinquency as stated above a definition within a
It highlights the important concepts of the theory, its chief tenets and its application during the early childhood relationships. Then, the essay goes on to examine the ways in which knowledge and understanding of the theory help social workers to promote and safeguard the welfare of children. The examination mainly focuses on how the attachment theory can help social workers in assessing, intervening, examining the causes of child abuse and how children are looked after. Theory of attachment Attachment theory is the strongest theoretical influence in modern-day studies of infant-parent relationships. John Bowlby was the first exponent of the theory.