Saturday, May 19, 2012

Research that Benefits Children and Families


I choose to talk about Option 2. If I could imagine myself conducting research on any topic in the early childhood field without any restrictions, I would choose to address the issue of children being misdiagnosed with a hyperactive disorder. I have not done any research on this topic and my wish is not to offend anyone. I state this because in my experience in working with some three to five year olds, I am saddened when I find out that they have been diagnosed with something that with my day to day interactions with those children, I'd say that they were misdiagnosed. Children are suppose to run around and not sit still all day. Children at this age are finding out about their bodies and find out hw for the first time to run without falling, hopping, hopping on one foot, skipping, to name a few things. It's like if one discovered that adults could fly, but it was forbidden to do so. I bet people would still want to fly even though it was not to be done. For those who would fly  would they then be diagnosed with a hyper active flying disorder. Okay, maybe I chose a silly example but I hope it does justice to my reason of why Id research this topic. I would use children and give them a placebo. I lie to the parents of these children and the children and state that this would relax the child. It is un ethical to keep the truth from the participants but I feel  that some parents justify that their child actions are due to the fact that he/she is ill and not due to their bad parenting skills. These diagnosed children overhear and create mayhem because they now feel they can get away with things since its okay since mommy says that I have a hyper activity disorder. Some parents just need guidance on how to be better role models for their children.  A positive contribution to this would be that children and parents would no longer be lied to and forced to buy medications by medical reps and would know that they just need to work it out as a family with the help of early childhood professionals. As in all, not to feed crap medications to children at such an early age.

2 comments:

  1. Frank,
    I truly agree that some children are unnessarily medicated, and I blame doctors and psychologists for that. I think our world has come to a point where we are unable to speak the truth, especially to parents whose children are out of control and we know they need parenting skills. As you are aware, I am doing my research simulation on ADHD and developmentally appropriate early childhood development. Maybe my information will be valuable to your curiosity. I used to think the same way you do, and at times still do. However, having that mind set and not putting my child on ADHD medication until he was 10years old really set him back socially and academically. We have tried many strategies, consistantly, at home, the school has tried sensory diets, occupational therapy, adjusting his routine and assignments, all with little improvement. I think I have gotten on his report card, comments every marking period that says he lacks self control! Except the year that he was put on vyvanse (except he developed many side effects and was taken off). So, it is my hope through my research that I am able to develop specific ways to help parents understand the difference between ADHD and developmentally appropriateness. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
    Amanda

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  2. Frank, This is a very good topic for you to have chose. So many children are misdiagnosed and being placed on medicines that they probably don't even need, because they are misdiagnosed. This is a wonderful topic to explore. Good Job!!

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