Positive Research

I just recently began working for Kennedy Krieger Institute as a Special Educator.  KKI is internationally known for its stellar care for children and adolescents with developmental delays such as Autism, learning disabilities, disorders of the brain, spinal cord and musculoskeletal system.  Significant and positive research has been completed over the years to help with better understanding of Autism, as well as development of effective methods of diagnosis and treatment.  Several KKI researchers are conducting numerous studies with efforts to to get gain a better understanding the causes of Autism and the systems to detect the earliest signs of Autism.

One specific example of how research in Autism has positively impacted children and families can be seen through the use of early diagnosis in children, which has aided in helping children receive behavioral therapy to improve speech and and behavior in children with Autism.

My Personal Research Journey

When thinking of a topic to research, I find it intriguing to focus on The influence of family dynamics and structure on social/emotional development in young children   for my research simulation.  I have a strong desire to gain more insight on social/emotional development in children. As a special educator, I especially find it important to focus on this domain in early childhood development, due to my recent change professionally in working with students with autism whom have social/emotional weaknesses in a self-contained environment.

I’m looking forward to seeing if there are any indicators of family structure being having an impact on children from children; not necessarily with a disability but typical children. 

I think this research stimulation will help me with expanding my knowledge base with regards to social/emotional development, but also help me to service students with varied family structures.