Welcome to Unit 1!! Who are Children with Special Needs?

1. Welcome to Unit 1!!Who are Children with Special Needs? Michelle Rudas CE240-02

2. Allow me to Introduce Myself My name is Michelle Rudas Please call me Michelle We will start at 8 PM Eastern Time. Feel free to chat while you wait for class to begin. Ouragenda for tonight’s discussion focuses on discussing the key topics from this unit on classroom management and parent conferences.

3. Can we make a difference? Thurman and Widerstrom (1990) advise:“To improve the development of children with special needs we must understand normal development, including the problems that may occur in normal developmental patterns” (p. 11). (Allen & Cowdery, 2009, p. 95).

4. Talking with Parents First, ask the parents what they have observed. Do they have concerns? Next, reassure the parents that the observed problem may be temporary or treatable. Do suggest that the parent seek medical advice Obtain written permission from parents

5. Terminology Exceptional children: children with differences that alter their development in some way as identified by developmentalists, teachers, administrators, and policymakers Atypical development: growth that does not follow the usual pathway of children of like age Developmental continuum: predictable patterns of growth for most children at that age

6. Cerebral Palsy A condition caused by injury to certain parts of the brain; usually results in paralysis and uncontrollable muscle movements in parts of the body CP can be classified as hypertonic, hypotonic, athetosis, ataxia, or mixed CP can be classified as diplegia, hemiplegia, paraplegia, or quadriplegia (Allen & Cowdery, 2009, p. 178-179).

7. Autism Qualitative impairment in social interaction Qualitative impairment in communication Restrictive, repetitive and sterotyped patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities Delays or abnormal function in at least one of the following before 3 yrs of age: social interaction, social communication, symbolic or imaginative play (Allen & Cowdery, 2009, p.139, 236-238).

8. Autism Every Day ~ Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDMMwG7RrFQ&feature=email

9. Please share! • Our first seminar will focus on reviewing class expectations and the structure of the course, as well as this week's Web Resources (the Accept AutismProject and "Cameron's Journey" videos). During this week's seminar, you'll share your reaction to these sites with your classmates and discuss the following: What stood out in your mind most after watching these videos? Did you learn anything new? What do you think is most important for children with special needs? Jump in!

10. More sharing! How do you think these videos might affect the delivery of your instruction to children with special needs? Jump in!

11. References K.E. Allen, G.E. Edwards, (2005). The Exceptional Child, Inclusion in Early Childhood Education, 5e. Clifton Park, N.Y.: Thompson Delmar Learning C. Pasche, L. Gorrill, B. Strom, (2004). Children With Special Needs in Early Childhood Settings. Clifton Park, N.Y.: Thompson Delmar Learning