Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

Meet Timothy!

 He has been in our care for about four years. Over the years, I've watched him grow and mature into a handsome young man. He was diagnosed with high functioning autism before being enrolled in our center. When he first started, he had sensory issues and would not interact with others. He would also have meltdowns and outburst because he had problems expressing his emotions verbally. Due to this issues, his mother placed him in occupational therapy. Since then, I have noticed a difference in how he conducts himself. Now he understands how to use his words to express his feelings, as well as engage with other children in the center. His mother also explains that he is doing much better in school and has become less dependent on her. 

I found an interesting article entitled, Study Finds Sensory Integration Therapy Benefits Children with Autism. “This study is one of the first to show that therapy is an effective way to help ease such sensory difficulties and improves daily functions” (Autism Speaks, 2013). Although this study is not a new, it discusses how engaging with others can help with autism overall. "Sensory integration therapy, as practiced by occupational therapists, uses play activities in ways designed to change how the brain reacts to touch, sound, sight and movement" (Autism Speaks, 2013). The findings also revealed that they needed less assistance from their parents with self-care and in social environments (Autism Speaks, 2013). Studies like these help children, like Timothy, function more effectively in society. I personally believe that early intervention for children with disabilities create better outcomes for their future. 

Today, Timothy is twelve years old. He is a joy to be around. He loves to give hugs and makes sure I am living a healthy life like him. When the day comes that he will leave our center, I don't know what I am going to do because a piece of my heart will be gone!

Reference

Autism Speaks. (2013, December 3). Study Finds Sensory Integration Therapy Benefits Children  with Autism. Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/study-finds-sensory-integration-therapy-benefits-children-autism

My Personal Research Journey

The power of play in early childhood education has always been of great interest to me. I enjoy watching children explore, imagine, create and express themselves during play. Working with children for over ten years, I strongly believe that children in childcare settings should be allotted time to engage in various types of activities throughout the day. 

I am very excited and even more nervous to investigate this topic. The research chart and its guidelines given to us during the first week of class will help me with this journey. Although, each of us are studying a different topic, we may be able to help one another out with tips and strategies. I am here to be of any assistance to my fellow classmates. Being that this is all new to me, I do not have any resources to share at this time but as I come across useful information, I will share it with the class. I will gladly except any input my peers have to offer.