1. Family Interactions Presenters: Kerry O’Brien Megan Brown

2. The Importance of Interactions

3. To Us and the Field of Education  Gain Knowledge  To view situations in a different setting  Seeing how a disability affects interactions  Furthers education To Parents and Teachers  Importance of communications between each other  Helps parents see how their child interacts in different settings  So they are better prepared to handle problems that can arise.

4. To Children With and Without Disabilities See the differences in people Learn about different disabilities Seeing how crucial interactions are to development To build stronger relationships Lower levels of anxiety

5. Who we are as Researchers! Past experience working with people who have disabilities includes…. - Down Syndrome to Emotionally Disturbed Our bias was… -Family income How we overcame our bias… -Meeting the family -Seeing the close-knit and caring environment

6. Medical Model- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder(Aggressive and Destructive) [ADHD]  Known Causes -Biological: chemical imbalance -Environmental: toxins -Genetic: family link  Symptoms - Hyperactive -Impulsive -Inattentive

7. Medical Model- Oppositional Defiant Disorder(ODD) Known Causes -Biological: brain defects or injury -Environmental: dysfunctional family life and inconsistent discipline from parents -Genetic: family link Symptoms - Throwing repeated temper tantrums -Not complying with authority figures -Blaming others for their mistakes -Swearing or using obscene language -As well as others

8. Best Practices ADHD  Behavioral Intervention  Medication- stimulants  Combination of both ODD  Medication  Psychosocial Intervention  Combination of all

9. Data Collection Interviewing Observation at home Observation at school Observation in the community

11. Findings in the Home Verbal Interactions oFamily Speaks/Interprets for Him oFamily Doesn’t Understand Him oA Guessing Game Physical Interactions oSign Language oHugging oGrabbing/Hitting

12. Findings in the School and the Community Children were not as willing to speak to him Radical behavior changes

13. Conclusions and Recommendations Patterns  Inconsistency  Unique Communication with Sister Themes  Lack of Social Skills  Sense of Caring

14. As a Result of Our Study… Change in Opinion Ease of Working with a Family - Conflicting Schedules - Lack of Open Connection Change in Teaching Practices Inconsistent Punishment Inconsistent Behavioral Management

15. Recommendations for Professionals Open Line of Communication Flexible Schedule Hang in There!

16. Why Our Study is Important Gaining Knowledge Different Perspectives A fresh and new view!