“What Has Technology Done To Us?

Have you ever had that moment when the message tone on your phone goes off and you wonder, “How am I going to take the phone out of my toddler’s hand?” Many parents are asking that question multiple times throughout the day. We now live in a society where technology allows us to have everything at our fingertips. Instead of going out to buy books to read or hundreds of toys to play with, something so simple as an iPhone or iPad can bring all of those things to the living room, the car, and even the doctor’s office. Everything is available via portable device.  IPhones and other various smart phones come equipped with apps ranging from television shows, to pictures, interactive activities, and sound games. It seems more logical to have children learn via a device, though, while all of these advances are making our lives more accessible, what is the impact on kids who know them as the only available source of entertainment?

          The more helpful technology becomes to us, the more addicted the next generation will become. Every time a new phone, tablet, or iPad is released, we take away one more intrapersonal moment. A key factor in healthy childhood development is social interaction. If a child is regularly attached to a device, they limit the time they spend interacting with others and learning through imitation. While these may seem like minor details at the toddler stage, as time marches on, will the next generation understand the importance of hardback books, paper magazines, or talking verbally?

            Medically, apparently these behaviors can lead to issues down the line. Every adult who grew up with a T.V. was told that if they sit too close to the television, they will ruin their eyes. Same is true of phones and tablets. With the screens usually no further than one foot away from the eye, technology can be damaging to the youthful eye. I wonder if the fact that more children than ever are wearing glasses is a result. The time children spend indoors on different technological devices, when they could be outside running, jumping, climbing, and doing something better for their health is another consideration. Inactive children possess a higher risk of becoming obese than children who are consistently physically active.

            There is no doubt why children are addicted to technology. It’s because, as adults, we are. Technology flew in on its broom and gave us time. Instead of typing a paper, we can now speak into a device and our words appear on the screen, allowing us to multitask. The age of who gets a gift of an iPad, tablet, or laptop has become younger and younger. While there are pros and cons, think about the balance. For every hour a child stays mesmerized on their device, that’s less outdoor play they may enjoy or even one more friend they never get the opportunity to make at the park that day. 

Idea From:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/07/kids-and-phones-smartphones-child_n_2079105.html?utm_hp_ref=parents&ir=Parents

Who Speaks? Autism Speaks.

Just as their young child is beginning to walk and function by themselves, one of the most trying experiences for a parent is to be told is that their child may be on the autism spectrum.  Unfortunately, more parents are hearing those harsh words.  One in every 88 children in the US is diagnosed as being on the spectrum for autism. What does being on the spectrum mean? Autism Speaks defines it as, “having exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills. About 40 percent have intellectual disability (IQ less than 70), and many have normal to above average intelligence. Indeed, many persons on the spectrum take deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and “atypical” ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently. About 25 percent of individuals with ASD are nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means.”

Autism affects more children in the US than Diabetes, AIDS, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and Down Syndrome combined.

            Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18-24 months. Once a child is diagnosed, many parents must realize that their child may have to go to extreme measures to live a somewhat normal life compared to other children. This is modeled in a new book by autistic teen, Trevor Pacelli, titled Growing Up Autistic: 100 Lessons To Understand How Autistic People See Life. In his book, Pacelli explains what it is like growing up autistic, being diagnosed at 5 years old, and how people can better understand what goes on inside the mind of a person on the spectrum. Within the book, Pacelli shares 10 things people should know about autistic children and teens and how they think: 

1.      They get either A’s or F’s
2.      Nobody on earth thinks like them.
3.      Time alone vs. time with others
4.      Some actually prefer to be alone
5.      Balance solo activities with parental interaction
6.      They also want to go out
7.      They need to vent their problems
8.      Getting out of the home helps with social skills
9.      Everyone needs to be socially active
10.  Some can have mood swings

While many parents and caregivers may not understand how the autistic brain functions, the fact that autism affects hundreds of thousands of children in this country is reason enough why we need to be educated. Understanding how this abnormal brain functions, is the first step in finding a cure so that it can function normally. Listen to how autism speaks.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/faq

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/23/growing-up-autistic-teen-_n_2005778.html?utm_hp_ref=parents&ir=Parents