Podcast

We will begin a series of podcasts on the major temperament traits that can relate to challenging behaviors at times. In the first podcast, Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel talk about how temperament traits impact each of us as adults including our perceptions and relationships. When we consider children, we need to realize that they also come to us with a unique blend of the 10 temperament traits that influence their interactions with others. The more we understand ourselves and the children we work with, the more likely we will be to avoid some of the challenges that come with the extremes of temperament.

In this podcast, we will continue the last conversation by looking at 4-5 year olds. It is easy at times to see a child’s behavior outside of the context of their age and stage. When we look again at what we are hoping to teach children in a larger sense, we can begin to appreciate some of those challenging behaviors as their way at reaching important milestones!

In our continued discussion with Pat Pulice, M.A., L.P., Vice President of Integrated Health Care at Fraser in Minneapolis, MN, we will look at different settings a child might be in who has an autism diagnosis and how to build a beneficial environment for children we serve. What kinds of supports are present in the therapeutic setting which help a child as they develop skills and when does an inclusive setting with typical developing peers offer other benefits to the child? Early educators can examine their environment for structure, routines, stimulation, and visual supports. Again, each child is an individual and their needs will vary but we will discuss some general strategies for inclusion.

In the first of this series of podcasts, Cindy and Priscilla interview Pat Pulice, M.A., L.P., Vice President of Integrated Health Care at Fraser in Minneapolis, MN, on what the major characteristics of autism can look like in a young child, how early we might identify a child, and what the identification process includes for young children who may have development red flags for autism. As with all children, the important attitude is seeing who the whole child is and what can support their special needs as they grow and develop.

In this podcast, we will continue the last conversation by looking at 4-5 year olds. It is easy at times to see a child’s behavior outside of the context of their age and stage. When we look again at what we are hoping to teach children in a larger sense, we can begin to appreciate some of those challenging behaviors as their way at reaching important milestones.

In the final session in this series, Priscilla Weigel and Cindy Croft will offer insights into some of the responses that may come from a family when they are told there are red flags in their child’s development. As parents grapple with developmental information, they will need ongoing support and understanding from the early educator and program staff. We can be an important partner in a journey that is just beginning.