MD2

Learning Resources

Required Resources

• Web Resource Guide: “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Spectrum Disorders”
  http://www.fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/documents/FASDGuide12_021.pdf
• Web Article: “Understanding Autistic Spectrum Disorders”
  http://www.babyzone.com/kids/kids-health-and-safety/autism-spectrum-disorders_66243
• Web Article: “In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents’ Genes are in Competition”
  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/11/health/research/11brain.html?ref=science

Optional Resources

• Web Article: “Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Getting a Diagnosis”
  http://www.fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/documents/WYNKDiagnosis_5_colorJA_new.pdf
• Web Article: “A Spectrum of Disputes”
  http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/11/opinion/11shattuck.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1

• Web Article: “Autism Spectrum Disorder May be More Prevalent Among Children Born Very Prematurely”
  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090129085839.htm

Understanding Spectrum Diagnoses

The usefulness of applying labels to describe children’s seemingly related characteristics is tempered by a caution: Despite similarities in labels, children are individuals, displaying unique strengths, challenges, interests, and preferences. Understanding the “spectrum” of diagnostic categories is critical to understanding children’s individuality.

After reviewing each of this module’s articles, consider:

• What the term spectrum means
• How knowledge of the term spectrum supports looking beyond a child’s diagnostic label
• In what ways understanding the term spectrum can lead to support for children’s individuality

By Day 7 of Week 4:

Post your thoughts with regard to:

• Your definition of the term spectrum, and how knowledge of this term can be beneficial in your role as a child development professional
• In what ways knowledge of spectrums can be used to recognize children’s unique strengths and challenges, and support their individuality