Today was officially my first day back at University after Christmas for lectures and it was difficult adjusting after a few weeks off. I spent no time relaxing due to assignments but was definitely not getting up at 6am! I have definitely not missed that one little bit. However, I did have two assignments and one exam due on the same day, that was definitely a dark day!
Moving on - today I had a four hour lecture on "Clinical Aspects of Behavioural Disorders" which focused on exploring the diagnosis and treatment of disorders such as Down's Syndrome, ADHD, Autism and Schizophrenia. It was extremely interesting as I am probably one of the only people on my course who has not worked with individuals with disabilities. Most other students have come from backgrounds involving volunteering with children with Special Educational Needs, so everyone seems more knowledgeable on this subject than me! So I'm thinking it will be a massive learning curve, so will be an exciting term. It also makes debates more insightful, because we all have different backgrounds and different future goals, so we all assess things differently - i.e. when discussing a paper we've read, I might look at the limitations of the methodology and how it could be improved to be more effective in the future, and someone else may point out how it could be applied to an educational setting. It really broadens your horizons!
The other module I am studying this term is called "Understanding Atypical Development", and I am only vaguely aware of it's content which worries me as usual. However, from the module guide it will include word learning (phonology & orthography), SLI?, Williams & Down's Syndrome, Dyspraxia & Dyslexia. So quite a range there, some cross over with the other module, so may be interesting/confusing to see how they approach those topics. I have this lecture on Friday so will have to see how that pans out, will update!
Tomorrow I have to get working on my thesis plans and develop an idea for my specialist essay - which are both modules for my second and third term which I want to get started ASAP as I'm far too organised for my own good. I have a solid plan, just need to begin completing my Ethic's form, not sure if I've previously mentioned what my thesis is focusing on? But I'm definitely someone who approaches complicated/sensitive issues with no fear, so last year I focused on popularity and this year I'm looking at children's perspectives of bullying and whether those perspectives are affected by their personality characteristics & the influence of others. I can do a more detailed post if anyone is interested in my theory, just let me know!
I also need to come up with an essay idea, it has to be 5,000 words so quite a detailed exploration of a topic. I'm contemplating discussing Schizophrenia in children, I know it's a debatable topic as some criteria of Schizophrenia i.e. talking to people who aren't there, are a normal behaviour exhibited in childhood - having imaginary friends. It was mentioned in my lecture today, and only contributes a tiny part of my module so thought it was an interesting area to explore so note to self - research tomorrow!
Thanks for reading everyone,
L. E. Watts
