Extension Session 2

Extension Session 2

Learning Objectives:

(1) Facilitate thoughts on managing and integrating children with special needs.
(2) Be familiarised with the field of special needs in the local context (e.g. service providers, local resources)


Case Study

Ed, 4 ½ year old

Ed is a preschool boy whose aggressive behaviour has challenged his teacher and parents.

Six months ago, his teacher referred him for a diagnostic evaluation due to his disruptive and violent behaviour in school. Ed demonstrated cruelty to his peers. He pushed them down on the playground and grabbed toys or crayons from their hands. When his teacher tried to place him in the time-out chair, he struggled and kicked her forcefully. The teacher reported that Ed was increasingly difficult and unmanageable.

Parents reported their futile efforts to find solutions to their son’s outrageous behaviours. Eventually, Ed was diagnosed as having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Parents also expressed interest in seeking counselling and professional help since they experience a high level of frustration.


Discussion Questions

1. What behaviour management techniques could be used with Ed?Make a list of appropriate behaviour management techniques you will adopt to address Ed’s needs.

2. Besides Ed’s abilities, how will information regarding other systems (family, classroom) improve our understanding of Ed’s behavioural difficulties?

▪ Family: family interaction, relationships between siblings
▪Classroom: classroom interaction, relationships between peers

For each system, develop 3 interview questions (with parents / teacher) to gather more information about Ed.

3. In recent years, ADHD has received much attention in the media. Find 3 examples of ADHD is portrayed in the mass media (i.e. websites / videos / news articles / etc). Analyse how mass media described this problem and its solution.

4. If you are a preschool teacher with children with special needs in your class, where can you recommend parents when they expressed interest in seeking an educational evaluation and diagnosis? Identify the local service providers that you can recommend parents whenever necessary.

5. Common cultural attitudes and beliefs may influence the actions of those involved in Ed’s life. Identify and describe of these common beliefs and attitudes that shape the behaviours of people in Ed’s life.