Question

You are an educator in an out of school hours care centre. You are working one-on-one with Thomas, a six-year-old boy with an intellectual disability. Responses should demonstrate inclusive practices and how to interpret and respond to out of character behaviour. Examples of observations (including one out of character observation) that might be used to assess Thomas’s:

1. Play preferences.
2. Social interactions.
3. Communication and language.
4. Thinking styles.
5. Physical abilities.
6. Emotional status.

Interpret the information and observations to identify individual emerging skills, capabilities, potential, interests, and preferences of Thomas that might be used to guide program strategies to foster his development.

Answer 1

Thomas has intellectual disability so the activities used for him must involve inclusive practices and ways to interpret and respond to out of character behavior. His development will involve a consideration and growth of his emerging skills, interests, preferences, potential and capabilities.

1. Children with intellectual disability have different play preferences in comparison to normal children. In order to foster inclusive activities and understanding among the children the area of the playground will be shortened and lighter equipments such as plastic bats and whiffle balls will be used.
2. Thomas has intellectual disability and it will be difficult for him to interact with normal children. Moreover, it will be slightly easy for him to interact with children of same sex and same age. Helping him communicate to all the children and providing him an inclusive environment with all other children will help.
3. Thomas will have difficulty in communicating with other children. Helping him develop his adaptive skills will make him comfortable in language and communication. This require parental involvement beyond emails and telephonic conversations. Knowing the rules of conversation and getting along in a group with proper support will help Thomas.
4. Frequent feedback will help Thomas develop his thinking skills. Giving basic chores and helping him do them with his own capabilities will encourage him to think of alternatives that will develop his thinking skills.
5. It is hard for children with intellectual disability to have short activity times as it is important to maintain their interest in activities. Sports with other children with short activity times and alternative sitting and standing activities will help Thomas. Filed trips to grocery stores and post offices can keep the child physically active and fit.
6. Thomas can easily get frustrated and bored. Too hard and boring things can make him anxious so it is important to have patience with him. Activities with frequent breaks and easy steps can help him develop his emotional behavior. Helping him develop patience and learn social interactions can make him emotionally stronger.