RESEARCH THAT BENEFITS CHILDREN & FAMILIES

It has been noted that Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD, also known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction) predictably affects about 5% of all children, over half of children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and 80% of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (Sensory Systems Clinic, n.d.).  These high percentages are definitely worth taking a deeper look.  Without the proper awareness of the scope of SPD among young children and school-age children, many professionals could suffer the consequences of improper assessments and treatments for children who are currently being labeled disruptive, unruly, uncooperative, or worse. 

Imagining that I possess the means and the knowledge to conduct unrestricted research studies about any topic in the early childhood field, which will make a major positive contribution to the well-being of children and/or their families, I would choose this topic of Sensory Processing Disorder as it relates to the excellence and equity of care and education for children and families (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  It seems apparent to me that with proper awareness of SPD, greater specificity can be obtained to the proper assessment and treatment of children who are otherwise disruptive in the learning environment as well as their home environment.  Proving SPD’s validity is a massive task to embark upon, yet small steps toward recognizing its prevalence in pre-school age and school-age children could open the door to shedding some positive light on it’s existence.  Sensory Processing Disorder: Is It Real?  The journey towards answering this question must begin soon for the sake of early childhood development. 

RESOURCES
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Excellence and equity of care and education for children and families-Part 1 [DVD]. Early childhood development. Baltimore, MD: Author. 

Sensory Systems Clinic (n.d.). The ‘jobs’ of children” play, school, social skills, self reglation, emotional, & self care.[website]. Retrieved November 19, 2011, from http://www.sensorysystemsclinic.com/

A PERSONAL RESEARCH JOURNEY

In the next several weeks I will embark upon a personal research simulation regarding the topic of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), a neurological disorder that is commonly recognized by the brain’s inability to integrate, process, and respond to certain information received from the body’s five basic sensory systems.   My goal is to bring a deeper awareness about its origin and prevalence among young children to the fore-front of the early educational field.    My intentions are to discuss (1) the origin and causes of SPD; (2) its commonality among young children of preschool and school age; and (3) the available resources for addressing the care needed for children with this diagnosis within an educational environment.  The success of my research will expectantly produce credible information that will aid in (1) a reduction in negative behaviors found in the classroom environments associated with children who demonstrate SPD behaviors;  (2) bring SPD awareness to educators so that professional development can be implemented to address this diagnosis in young children within classroom environments, and (3) provide necessary assistance through resources regarding  SPD children and families.

My personal and professional reason for choosing SPD as a research simulation topic is because my son has been diagnosed with SPD, and a deeper understanding of the condition will provide me with the insight to better care for him as well as other children within the early education environment who have the potential for SPD.

Here is a link to an interesting resource regarding Sensory Integration Therapy: http://www.sensoryprocessingdisorder.info/sensory-integration-therapy.html

Although not considered a scholarly resource, this blog site has numerous entries that will enlighten ones awareness about Sensory Processing concerns in children, as well as provide additional links that might prove to be very helpful.

IN SEARCH OF ANSWERS - RESEARCH AS A TOOL

This week I will be studying the importance of research in the Early Childhood field.  I will be observing (1) Why research is important; (2) What makes "good research"; (3) How to become an informed advocate for quality research; and (4) Where to find research on Early Childhood Development and Education. 

Here is a link to the latter observation for accessing EC Research:  http://www.naeyc.org/resources/research/accessing