For my final topic, I have chosen to write about autism and ADD. I have never really paid attention to those with autism or ADD until my junior year of high school. Previous to my junior year, I simply had sympathy towards those who had these conditions and thought that it was unfortunate for them. However, after volunteering at my church's organization, Klema, I have learned a lot about the social behaviors that those individuals experience. As I helped them go through the few hours each week doing activities with them, creating crafts, singing and playing music, and simply taking care of them, I have grown empathy towards them. I realized that they are just like people without those conditions and that they simply need more guidance. They all have minds and hearts that keep them going.
In my paper, I will discuss what exactly autism and ADD are. I will further explain about the different types of symptoms individuals have and the causes of these conditions. In my paper, I will illustrate the experiences I have gone through with the organization and how much I have learned. Because I have only closely seen how people react to those with these conditions in the organization, which is with respect and kindness, I will research the stigmas people have outside in society. One question I have is "why are people treated differently or unfairly if they have certain conditions?"
Hey Jason,
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that you are analyzing a disease that you are extremely familiar with. You did a great job explaining what experience you are working from, and what stases you plan on answering.
I also think that it is a great idea that you are looking at stigmas based off autism. It ties in nicely with what we are learning.
The only thing that I am confused about is that you want to do ADD and autism. I do not know if the two can be considered closely related, and you might have to choose just one for the paper.
Best,
Mark
Hey Jason,
ReplyDeleteI like your topic for the paper. I personally know a few people who have ADD or autism. I like the question you came up with. I'm looking forward to possibly reading your paper.
I think Mark makes a good point, to make your paper a little less confusing, it may be helpful to stick to one disease instead of both.
-Alex
My magic thesis sentence: "By looking at the situation of ADD, we can see many individuals are affected by this condition; this is important because people should be aware of this condition and should not treat it as a disease, but instead as an obstacle to surpass."
ReplyDeleteI think you have a lot to work with here, Jason. I agree with Mark, that you should go with either ADD or Autism, and given your magic thesis sentence, I can see you've chosen to go with ADD. I like that you have a personal experience in which you learned to empathize rather than sympathize with those who are coping with these disorders, which will help you foster empathy and care in your readers. Some questions you may want to consider as you research are: What exactly is attention deficit (and hyperactivity) disorder? When did we start diagnosing it? Are there more cases now than before? There has been controversy over the years about ADD that will be worth looking into -- are doctors getting paid to diagnose children with it? Do parents buy "extra time" for their children? Do these kids just need to run around outside? Or, is there a neurological basis? Not all of these questions will figure in to the first paper, but will be helpful to have information on them for future papers (including Considering Another Side). By taking the time to stay within the Definition and Cause/Effect Stases in this paper, you will set the stage for later work in which you can expand on what can be done, how we should treat those who are diagnosed by ADD, and really get into your concerns about stigma and empathy.
ReplyDeleteHey Jason!
ReplyDeleteI really like your topic and am glad you chose ADD over autism. I personally am still torn in whether or not ADD should be treated as a disease or just as an obstacle to overcome. I am especially concerned with all the medication they hand out to cure it. It seems relatively easy to get a prescription to treat ADD and we have to wonder if we are overmedicating our population. I really enjoyed reading your focus, though, and don't necessarily think you should include any of my personal concerns. I guess, just if you need to dig deeper and more information you could use it, but I think you're on a great track to your paper! Hopefully, I'll get to peer edit it!!
Good Luck!