Category Archives: psychology
How about comforting them and telling them it’s OK to be themselves?
There’s no harm in giving advice to other people. It’s a way to express your concern (and love) for them. However, there will also be times when all they need is for someone to listen without judgement. Unsolicited advice – regardless of its quality – can be detrimental.
New study Suggests that Delayed Diagnosis of Autism in Girls May be Due to Less Severe Symprtoms
Researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD found that girls may present less severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder than boys, causing them to be diagnosed with the condition later.
“The researchers identified differences in symptoms between boys and girls. They found girls struggled more with the ability to interpret social cues, while boys were more likely to demonstrate “severe mannerisms,” including repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping. Boys were also more likely than girls to have limited interests.
Older boys aged 10-15 were more likely than girls of the same age to struggle with social cues, however, and have difficulties with language in social situations.”
Read the full article from Medical News Today HERE
The Idiot that is Katie Hopkins – the unfortunate consequence of Free Speech
We all have the right to say what’s in our minds. However, we should always carefully consider the repercussions of our words. Words can empower, but they can also hurt. Take for example the inconsiderate and vile tweets by Katie Hopkins – a British television personality and columnist:
I really wish Katie would think before she speaks/tweets! Nobody in their right mind should utter, much less appreciate, these kinds of comments. Sort yourself out, Katie!
Born Naughty? – Initial Reactions
The new Channel 4 documentary series Born Naughty? looked at the causes of inappropriate behaviours in children. Last night’s episode featured two children and their families. Six year-old Theo whose behavioural outbursts were apparently difficult to control is suspected by his mother to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. In the show, Theo’s mother seems to want Theo to be diagnosed to prove to herself (and others) that she was not a bad parent. The other child was nine year-old Honey who has been excluded from school due to her behaviour and has not been in formal education for months. Her parents, also wanting to prove that they are not bad parents, wanted to know whether she has an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
The good
1. Holistic(-ish) portrayal of the children
What I liked about the programme was their conscious effort to show that both children’s behaviours were not always bad. Theo was shown to behave really well at the psychologist’s office and around her grandma, while Honey behaved well when she was around animals.
2. It showed professionals in a positive light
The professionals in the show aimed to gain a holistic perspective of the children’s behaviours and the reasons for those behaviour with the intent of improving the situation. They all worked collaboratively and came up with solutions to each family’s concerns.
3. The effects of a diagnosis (and lack thereof)
Honey was diagnosed with ASC and Pathological Demand Avoidance (a term I absolutely loathe) to the delight of her parents. The diagnosis was welcomed by the parents as they were previously blamed for Honey’s behaviour. It helped them ‘see’ Honey’s behaviour in a different light. In addition (and perhaps most importantly), the diagnosis triggered appropriate support that she needed such as her access to an Art therapist who comes to their house regularly to work on her behaviours and anxiety. In addition, she also secured a place at a school wherein she could be around animals which she absolutely loved.
Theo on the other hand was not diagnosed with ADHD as her Mum was hoping for. Rather, her Mum was given a strict behaviour programme. The programme helped as Theo was shown to display appropriate behaviour at the end of the show. His sleeping pattern and relationship to his mother also improved.
These hghlight the fact that slapping a diagnosis at every child who misbehaves is not always the right solution. In addition, a professional assessment is meaningless unless the appropriate support and interventions are planned and strictly implemented.
The less good
1. The title
I almost did not watch this programme because of the title. No one is born ‘naughty’.
2. The children were labelled as naughty
I feel like these vulnerable children are portrayed in the worst way possible as they were labelled naughty. I guess this is a reflection of some people’s perceptions of young people who misbehave. As I have said above, I felt that the programme tried to show the children’s positive side as well as their not-so-positive one.
3. Children were not protected
I’m still concerned that although their families consented, they were not able to give their appropriate consent. How will they feel in a few years’ time? How will they react when they read the inappropriate and vile comments posted on social media sites?
4. Idealistic scenario
I’m sure there will be a lot of families in similar situations wondering why they have been refused an assessment. Similarly, some of those who have been assessed may be left wondering why they have not received the appropriate support post-diagnosis. I must stress that this is not a criticism of the show, but one directed to some professionals.
HOPES AND FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope that future episodes will further show the complexities of behaviour and explore different explanations of why some children behave inappropriately. Despite the shows shortcomings, I feel that it is a step forward in dispelling the unfortunate wide-spread belief that behaviour IS the problem. Instead, what I want is for people to understand that behaviour is a consequence of something else.
Are kids born naughty?
Are kids born naughty or are they just spoiled?
Why do kids misbehave?
Is it nature or nurture?
Dr. Dawn Harper and Dr. Ravi Jayaram will explore these questions in a new documentary series called ‘Born Naughty?‘ on Channel 4 (UK only). The series will start tomorrow, 14 May 2015 at 8pm.
I really hope that this programme will give describe the complexity of the development of behaviours. I guess we shall see…
Powered by Coffee!
I’m very close to completing a significant year of my doctoral training to become a qualified educational psychologist. It is a tough and long journey, but it is worth every sacrifice. I am continually learning ways to enable pupils, parents and teachers to make their situations better.
I enjoy the challenge of this journey. I feel prepared as long as I have my coffee!:D
In response to today’s Daily Prompt: Journey
Sunday reading: Egan’s The Skilled Helper
Reaching my weekly writing target early meant that I can finally catch up on my reading (and blogging). Right now I am reading Gerard Egan’s The Skilled Helper with the hope that it will improve my counselling skills. Egan’s approach draws together a couple of psychological theories and applies it to counselling. I can myself using his method in the next coming weeks!
Have you read it? WHat do you think about it?
I’m here to listen
How are you?
I really mean it
Tell me how you’re feeling
I’m willing to lend an ear
I have time
No matter what you say,
I will not judge you
I will not say anything
I’m just going to listen
Just let it out
Tell me what made you feel that way
Tell me more
What else would you like to say?
Tell me more
Say what you need to say
.
.
.
Remember that I’ll always be here to listen
Jake Barnett: Math and Science Prodigy
Below is a video of Jake Barnett in 60 Minutes. He is a Maths and Science genius and he also has Asperger’s Syndrome. I first knew of Jake Barnett through reading his mother’s book, The Spark, which is about the ups and downs that their whole family experienced mainly due to Jake’s Asperger’s. Most of his first teachers did not understand him. His family, especially his mother, fought long and hard to get the best education for Jake. Kristine (Jake’s mother) knew what Jake needed. She knew that Jake’s ceiling is much higher than what professionals have told them. Through the family’s hard work, Jake has ‘come out of his shell’.
Understanding and Embracing Diversity 