I feel that my niece suffered from (and still does) isolation. When she was born, she has spina bifida, scoliosis, and a tethered cord. Spina bifida is a birth defect, it is when the spinal cord has a split or an opening in it, scoliosis is a condition when the spine bends either to the right or to the left. My niece's condition is severe. She's had many different surgeries to try and help this. The one she had for her scoliosis, it was necessary that she have it, if not the curve to her spine was so severe that it would end up smashing all of her insides. She has always walked different, she sometimes uses a walker, she cannot sit or stand like everybody else,among other things she has to have surgery at least once every 3 years.
Usually children who are born with spina bifida also suffer from a tether cord. The cord becomes tethered because of the surgically closing of the spine and the extra scar tissue. When dealing with a tethered cord, when a child stretches usually the spine is free to move, with this condition it is not. It can damage muscles as well as bladder and bowl problems, orthopedic problems such as loss of sensation in legs and feet. My sister actually has to buy my niece two different pairs of shoes because her feet are different sizes.
My niece has always felt different from other children. She is unable to do the things that others' can do. She can't ride a bike, she can't try outfor sports, or even go on longer walks. As much as other's try, she doesn't feel that she fits. My sister has put her in different groups. Actually, when she has her surgery, the hospital that she goes to specializes in these surgergies. There are many other kids there, that feel the same way as she. They exchange phone numbers, and emails. I think that this helps my niece a lot. Although, my sister and the rest of our family tries to understand what she is going through, we are never going to be able too. Having somebody her age, understanding most of what she is going through, helps her because they are able to share stories with each other. My niece also sings and is very big in many different types of music. She goes to a charter school and specializes in signing. I think this helps her relax her mind.
The middle eastren country and the effects the violence has on it's children.
I think my background in criminal justice is one of the reasons why I would like to find out more about this. When I was in class we would often talk about the war and the violence that is going on in middle eastren countries.
When dealing with violent acts such as war, intrusion of homes, schools and other personal places by soliders children are more likely engaged in antisocial behavior, more likely to be involved in violent acts.(Boxer, Dubow, Huesmann, 2009).
Researchers are concerned with a child's emotional and congnitive development and how violence intereferes with it.(Boxer, Dubow, Huesmann, 2009).
It can and most likely will lead to aggressive behavior. Severly traumatized children, had lower letter grades in school.(Boxer, Dubow, Huesmann, 2009).
Many children that have been subjected to severe violence feel that they are included in it and view themselves as "freedom fighters". (Boxer, Dubow, Huesmann, 2009).
Researchers feel that the community should provide the children with postiive and supportive settings from all levels of the community-family, peers.(Boxer, Dubow, Huesmann, 2009).
They feel that in doing so it protects the children from all the negative influence that occurs from violence and war. (Boxer, Dubow, Huesmann, 2009).
This is a continuing study. The researchers are unsure about how well the support settings will work. But they feel that at least it is something more positive to show the children of communities that only see war and violence.(Boxer, Dubow, Huesmann, 2009).
They feel as long as there is some kind of positive interaction, the children have the ability to see that their is another way other than violence. (Boxer, Dubow, Huesmann, 2009).
References:
Dubow, E., Huesmann, R. L., & Boxer, P. (2009). A Social-Cognitive-Ecological Framework for Understanding. Clinical Child & Family Psychology Review, 12(2), 113-126. Retrieved November 26, 2010, from Education Research Complete
My Childhood Web
The most important people to me when I was a child, were my parents especially my dad, my one sister, my one aunt, and my 4th grade teacher.
My parents raised six girls, my dad was the only one working. He did anything and everything he could to make sure we did not go without. He worked swing shifts, with doing that, he packed my lunch for school, got me off to school, and home from school, he helped me with my homework, and he spent time with me. A lot of time. My dad and I are still very close, he is my best friend. I know through anything I can count on him.
My sister Jenna, I always wanted to be just like her when I was younger. She also helped me with my homework, and was and still is there for me any time I need anything.
My aunt passed away when I was about seven. But before then, she always let her nieces know that we were important to her. She would come over every weekend with us. She read with me, took me shopping. I remember being little, (she had cancer), and she showed me how to take care of her wig, when she was going through chemo-therapy.
My fourth grade teacher, was very creative in the how she taught. She made learning fun. I had a Valentine's Day party at my house, she came to it. She never gave up on her students. She is one of the reason why I chose to direct my life towards, education.
The people in my life, made it possible for me to be a strong adult. They helped me learn how to spread my wings, but if I happened to fall, they were there (and some still are) to help me on my feet again. They took the time out of their lives to be an important person in mine.
My parents raised six girls, my dad was the only one working. He did anything and everything he could to make sure we did not go without. He worked swing shifts, with doing that, he packed my lunch for school, got me off to school, and home from school, he helped me with my homework, and he spent time with me. A lot of time. My dad and I are still very close, he is my best friend. I know through anything I can count on him.
My sister Jenna, I always wanted to be just like her when I was younger. She also helped me with my homework, and was and still is there for me any time I need anything.
My aunt passed away when I was about seven. But before then, she always let her nieces know that we were important to her. She would come over every weekend with us. She read with me, took me shopping. I remember being little, (she had cancer), and she showed me how to take care of her wig, when she was going through chemo-therapy.
My fourth grade teacher, was very creative in the how she taught. She made learning fun. I had a Valentine's Day party at my house, she came to it. She never gave up on her students. She is one of the reason why I chose to direct my life towards, education.
The people in my life, made it possible for me to be a strong adult. They helped me learn how to spread my wings, but if I happened to fall, they were there (and some still are) to help me on my feet again. They took the time out of their lives to be an important person in mine.
It's great to hear that the hospital is able to provide a support group for others suffering like your niece. Despite her isolation from the 'normal' life, it sounds like she has embraced her strengths in communication like singing. Singing may be a way for others to make a connection with her as well.
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