tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731570604082332002024-03-05T14:07:07.548-08:00Asperger SocietyHarperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-49452859687456310882011-03-07T23:15:00.000-08:002011-03-07T23:49:37.842-08:00Media Monday: Cartoons for Kids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s1600/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464386260573094178" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 200px; height: 137px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s200/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We've talked in the past about the importance of making sure kids' cartoons are actually child appropriate. We've also discussed the rating system used by television stations and the criteria they use to arrive at a given rating. However, what are children watch teach them ideas, vocabulary, and social skills. So how can we, as parents, try to use that fact to our advantage?<br /><br />As I've already discussed, modern technology (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TiVo">TiVo</a>, <a href="http://www.hulu.com/">Hulu</a> and other websites, etc.) is an absolute boon to parents, especially those whose children have social deficits, since it allows us to <a href="http://aspergersociety.blogspot.com/2010/04/media-monday-why-not-tv.html">preview programs and avoid commercials</a>. Avoiding consumerism and the poor behavior encouraged by commercials is a wonderful tool for nipping negative social skills in the bud.<br /><br />When it comes to cartoons, though, the caricatured way in which human behavior is portrayed can cut both ways. In many examples of <a href="http://aspergersociety.blogspot.com/2010/04/media-monday-anime.html">anime</a>, for example, competition is over-played for the purpose of satire--humor most young children won't understand. However, some cartoons have the benefit of drawing humor from exaggerated facial expressions and melodramatic speech. While we'd prefer that our children not overact their communication, the emphasis that some cartoons place on communication can be a valuable teaching tool--especially for children who are ill-equipped or too young to notice the more subtle reality.<br /><br />When I look for cartoons for my son, I prefer to find shows that rarely have more than three characters engaging in conversation at once. This way the conversation is rarely too complicated for him to track. I also like for the imagery to focus on and overplay facial expressions--especially in the context of conversation--so that he can learn from the example. It also makes it easier for me to comment to him on what's happening in the show. At this point, his favorites are the Silly Songs from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VeggieTales">Veggietales</a> series (which we watch on<a href="http://www.youtube.com/"> Youtube</a> and do not have the religious content found in other parts of the series) and Thomas the Tank Engine (which has the added benefit of a narrator to describe what different characters think and feel in relation to their expressions and conversations).<br /><br />Used carefully, digital media can be a valuable learning tool for communication skills.Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-2472386036675572472011-03-01T22:32:00.000-08:002011-03-01T22:49:08.145-08:00Media Monday is Back!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s1600/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464386260573094178" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 200px; height: 137px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s200/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After a long hiatus, the Asperger Society Blog is back in action! Albeit a day late, this post is for Media Monday. The message? Our kids need to go outside!<br /><br />According to a recent article on <a href="http://bbc.co.uk/">BBC News</a>, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12357382">rickets is back</a>. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickets">Rickets</a> is usually a manifestation of vitamin D deficiency that was common in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Doctors had, until recently, assumed rickets (like scurvy) to be a thing of the past. It causes low bone density and deformities in the legs (usually bow-leggedness). On a personal note, my own great-aunt had rickets as a child, and because of it she now has what very much looks like osteoporosis. But since her low bone density is from rickets, treatments for osteoporosis do not help.<br /><br />Now that people, especially children, spend so much time indoors, the specter of rickets has returned. And over-protection against UV rays has only increased the risk.<br /><br />Vitamin D, while it can be consumed as a supplement, is primarily formed by the body out of cholesterol, when an individual is exposed to sunlight. Too little sunlight (or if the person is too thoroughly protected by sunblock or clothing) and a deficiency results.<br /><br />Those of us with kids who are glued to their game systems, televisions, or computers--or even the Lego station in their room--need to get our kids playing outside on a regular basis, even if only for a few minutes at a time. It might help social development, and it might help broaden our Aspies' horizons, but it will definitely improve their long term health.Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-74316384943979523642010-08-16T05:12:00.001-07:002010-08-16T05:50:53.173-07:00Media Monday: Girls and Melatonin<span style="font-style: italic;">Please note that this post refers frankly to biological functions and reproductive development.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s1600/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464386260573094178" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 200px; height: 137px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s200/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Wait. What?! What does that title have to do with media and AS? Trust me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article1404067.ece">Melatonin</a> is a hormone that the human body generates in darkness. It regulates a variety of biological functions, including circadian rhythms, and seems to be involved in immune function. A growing body of research seems to show that melatonin is also involved in the reproductive system--both its maturation and its functioning.<br /><br />A current issue of concern for doctors in the US is the fact that the number of girls entering <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precocious_puberty">puberty prematurely </a>has increased steadily over the last century. However, the cause(s) remain uncertain. What is known is that early sexual development (defined either as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelarche">beginning of of breast tissue development </a>by age of 7 or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menarche">menarche</a> occurring before the age of 12) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precocious_puberty#Clinical_and_social_significance">increases the likelihood</a> of a girl engaging in risky behaviors (by choice or otherwise) and, more disturbingly, raises her risk of developing breast cancer later in life.<br /><br />A recent <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article1404067.ece">metastudy</a> (drawing on data from 35 individual studies) noted that the light emitted from television screens is of a type that inhibits melatonin production.<br /><br />While some research also suggests a link between melatonin levels and autism spectrum disorders, I believe a causal relationship in that regard to be tenuous at best, especially in light of the data linking the light from televisions to drops in melatonin production. Since children on the spectrum are often more drawn and attached to screen time than other children, a correlation between ASDs and low melatonin levels is not surprising.<br /><br />However, girls on the spectrum, due to social immaturity, are often drawn towards or easily duped into intimate relationships at an early age. They can tell that it's a way to gain popularity or manipulate the opposite sex, but lack the skills to engage in or navigate romantic relationships in a safe and healthy manner. They often can also be easily convinced to confuse physical and emotional intimacy. The early onset of puberty, however, compounds these risks by making such girls physically attractive at an earlier age and spurring prematurely the production of hormones that make them wish to seek sexual relationships. In short, early onset of adolescence is especially dangerous for girls with AS.<br /><br />While I highly doubt that television watching is the primary cause of the rising incidence of early puberty in girls, it is one of many <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precocious_puberty#Research">potential causes</a>...a potential cause with an increasing body of evidence behind it, and a potential cause that is not receiving much attention among the general populace. It's also a potential cause that is relatively easy for parents to control (certainly easier than diet or exposure to estrogen mimics, for instance).<br /><br />In any case, limiting screen time, especially in the evening, can't hurt.Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-71372346455855648192010-07-26T16:42:00.000-07:002010-07-27T12:34:49.430-07:00TV Tuesday: Despicable Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9bgCWydOAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u1zPbrIaupY/s1600/tv-tuesday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464801528942245890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9bgCWydOAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u1zPbrIaupY/s200/tv-tuesday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/c_rUbqbhUEQ&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c_rUbqbhUEQ&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.nick.com/">Nickelodeon's</a> new, computer animated movie, Despicable Me, is yet another example of an animated "kids" movie really intended for adults. The first sign of this fact is the casting of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1258970/">Russel Brand</a> as the voice of one of the supporting characters. Russel Brand is best known in Britain for his typically vulgar and often off-color humor--distinctly an adult entertainer. Often, when such performers make their first forays into children's entertainment, their scripts are less than child appropriate. The presence of an actor best known for adult humor always makes me question the child appropriateness of a movie--even when that actor is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000552/">Eddie Murphy</a> or <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000245/">Robin Williams </a>(both of whom have participated in true children's entertainment).</div><br /><div>Beyond this issue of casting, the blurring of the line between hero and villain (in this movie taken to an extreme only surpassed by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman">Batman</a>) is a concept far more appropriate for an adult audience than for a young one. Children are, by definition, learning the rules of their culture and about the different roles people play--that includes the difference between right and wrong. While real people are never purely good or bad, it is far easier for children to learn about good and bad from less realistic, more purified examples, which is why fairy tale characters are written the way they are. When heroes have to struggle with real inner demons or psychological issues as part of the plot, it can easily look to a child like a justification of bad behavior. This is especially so for children on the Spectrum. Our "hero" in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323594/">Despicable Me </a>is one of the "world's great villains" who is competing with another villain to pull off the ultimate heist. In the process, and through a villainous deception, he learns about the importance of family and love, turning him into a hero. Moreover, the little girls in the story (truly good characters) are impressed by some of our "hero's" more sinister characteristics, further blurring the line between good and bad.</div><br /><div>The story itself is surrealist. Our hero wishes to steal the moon to one-up a villain who stole a pyramid. In the process, we encounter all kinds of logic defying devices that distract one from the story line and depart from any frame of reference (a piranha gun, for example). While I think Nickelodeon was attempting to take their cue from Disney's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meet_the_Robinsons">Meet the Robinsons</a>, they overdid it, using bizarre imagery to cover up a disjointed plot.</div><br /><div>On a smaller scale the movie runs into more problems, especially where children with AS are concerned. First, the movie opens with the discovery that a pyramid at Giza has been replaced by an inflatable replica. This is discovered when a group of American tourists disembark from a tour bus and a wayward child from the bus falls on the pyramid. The American tourists are portrayed as rude, inconsiderate, uneducated, disruptive, and unconcerned about the needs and comfort of others--especially the ones with southern accents. First of all, I object to that stereotype, both about Americans in general, and especially about Southerners. However, regardless of political beliefs about America's behavior towards other peoples, the fact remains that American children (especially those with AS, who can easily take these things too far) should not be made to feel bad for something over which they have <em>no control.</em> An American-born child has absolutely no control over where s/he was born, and a naturalized child has no control over his/her parents' citizenship decisions.</div><br /><div>Another smaller scale problem is the centrality of one-upmanship to the plot. Children are easily led into poor sportsmanship (of which one-upmanship is perhaps the worst characteristic). Children with AS are especially drawn to it, particularly when they harbor fears of their own inadequacy or have experienced bullying. Many video games, computer games and anime programs often nurture this unfortunate trait as well. The last thing our kids need is a movie centered on it.</div><br /><div>Overall, I would not recommend <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despicable_Me">Despicable Me </a>even for adults, and think it sets a very poor example for children. </div>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-77520281410910620802010-07-26T06:04:00.001-07:002010-07-26T06:35:13.604-07:00Media Monday: Technology and Education<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s1600/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464386260573094178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s200/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Technological advancements have proven themselves a real boon to the world of education. And in the special education corner of that world, new technologies have been especially useful. Research and anecdotal evidence alike suggest that students with learning challenges learn more easily from modern technologies and digital media than from more traditional delivery systems. Initially, they are engaged by the novelty of the presentation method, but the real benefit is that new technologies are often more adaptable to the learning needs of individual students in ways that older technologies and methods are not.<br /><br />This is a typical challenge for the education system. Because students are educated in "batches," the system is necessarily limited in the degree to which education can be individualized. The result? Children who need to learn in ways the system cannot provide are pathologized. But when a method of education is found that can engage these "disabled" students, the students are given an opportunity not formerly available to them.<br /><br />However, I would like to present a different angle on this particular area of growth in the education field. What does the fact that children have trouble being engaged by interaction between teacher and student say about the skills of the teacher? Mind, this isn't to condemn teachers or belittle the challenges they facing managing a classroom full of children. This question is intended to use teachers as an example of how our society is changing as a whole.<br /><br />When was the last time you met someone who could tell you a story in such a way that you felt you were there? When was the last time someone introduced a new concept to you in such an effective way that you were inspired to synthesize that new information with older knowledge and come up with a compelling hypothesis of your own--one so intriguing that you knew you <em>just had to</em> do more research? That doesn't happen much anymore.<br /><br />We are reliant on the written word and upon visual representations to convey information and ideas more than we are reliant on the spoken word (either in lecture or in conversation) or on physical demonstrations.<br /><br />Historically, before the majority of the population was literate or books were readily available, memorization and story-telling were prized skills. Philosophers and scientists actively studied memory to try to develop new and more effective means of memorization. Such lengthy tracts as The Odyssey, The Iliad, the Bible (especially the Old Testament), and The Histories of Herodotus were intended to be recited dramatically from memory rather than read in books. I don't know about you, dear reader, but I think I would be hard pressed just to memorize the book of Genesis, let alone the whole Old Testament!<br /><br />With the spread of literacy, memorization became much less important, but story-telling remained something of a folk art. Through the first half or so of the twentieth century, story-telling remained important in that theater (for plays, not movies) was still a very common form of entertainment and people who did public speaking had to rely on their ability to communicate effectively (tell their story) to charm a crowd--no bright lights or make-up, no cue cards, no teleprompter, and the really good speakers memorized their speeches.<br /><br />In today's world of sound-bites and digital everything, these arts are being lost. However, I do not think they are irrelevant.<br /><br />Let's get back to technology in the classroom. Part of why students are engaged by it is that they are intrigued by novelty. But what happens when the novelty wears off? Does the engagement go away too? If so, the solution is illusory. Moreover, it means that novelty in general is attractive, not necessarily that a specific <em>kind</em> of novelty is attractive. A teacher who knows how to bring history to life could provide a similar level of novelty, as could one who can explain mathematical concepts in such away that the work feels intuitive to the students. And those are skills that don't require an investment in the newest tech toys every year.<br /><br />Of course, teachers should take advantage of modern technology too--anything they need to bring their topic to life and reach as many students as possible! And students need to be familiar with technological tools in order to grow into adults who are competitive in the workforce. But I think choices about how to incorporate technology in the classroom should be left more to the teacher, who knows her needs better than anyone else.<br /><br />In the meantime, I think that aspiring educators, especially those who wish to work with students who have learning challenges, would be well-served by focusing on learning as much as they can about effective story-telling and public speaking. They put on an educational performance five days a week for their students, and they need to know how to make the performance a good one. Exciting props can't do it all.Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-79004308657086497302010-07-18T21:39:00.000-07:002010-07-18T22:06:47.339-07:00Media Monday: Sports and Social Skills<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s1600/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464386260573094178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s200/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I'm sure we've all heard the tired line that having your child participate in a team sport will help "socialization" and build character, teamwork skills, and sportsmanship. While I personally have some doubts about those assertions, I think they bring up an important question: What about <em>watching</em> team sports?<br /><br />The fact is that a sports team is an hierarchical social environment, and how well the players are able to cope with the social rules of the hierarchy has a lot to do with how well the team will perform. Watching teams play with an eye for <em>how</em> they play can be an excellent exercise for teaching social skills to those who are less than adept.<br /><br />Like real life, most games provide opportunities for good or bad sportsmanship and effective or ineffective team interaction. Unlike real life, it is incredibly obvious to the observer which is occurring when. Better yet, in many organized sports, the consequences for bad sportsmanship or other unacceptable behavior are immediate and blatant. For example, my husband and I recently watched the soccer World Cup matches. Whenever one player tripped another or otherwise broke a rule, it was immediately called by the referee (using a yellow card, red card system in which each card has real implications for when that player can play next) and the offending play was immediately replayed for viewers--in slow motion or with artificial highlighting if necessary. For the slightly more observant, differences in playing style were pretty apparent, and the cohesiveness of a team related directly to that team's ability to win.<br /><br />In baseball, the opportunities for poor sportsmanship are more limited, but even more glaring to those who watch the game. And the social consequences for misbehaving players are severe.<br /><br />In football, while players are definitely more rowdy with each other than in many other games and tempers can sometimes be ignited, a lot of time is spent deciding whether this or that behavior was legal. And a misbehaving team member can lose his team points. (Although watching football is something I recommend with extreme caution, giving the advertising and fan behavior that often surrounds it, and parents with concerns about teaching appropriateness in sexuality may have objections to the viewing of modern professional cheerleaders)<br /><br />How a golf pro reacts to a misplaced stroke can tell you a lot about that players character, and there are no other team members to draw attention away from a prima donna's tantrum.<br /><br />Even when players (in any sport) seem to behave badly without consequence, their bad behavior is apparent--a ripe opportunity for a parent and child to discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior.<br /><br />Moreover, sports are almost always a safe and appropriate topic of conversation, especially in the context of small talk.<br /><br />I really recommend finding a way to view televised professional sporting events with your child. The home environment is less overwhelming and more conducive to productive conversation about the game than attending a live game (which can also be fun!). Better yet, dvr the game so you can do "instant replays" as you see fit or fast forward through boring parts of the game or distracting advertising. Ask your child to watch how the players interact and what happens when they break rules. Point out instances that your child misses. Discuss how that relates to real life. Perhaps poor sportsmanship relates to a recent experience with a classmate or is a metaphor for how the child reacts when he doesn't get his way. These are important life lessons, and a clear visual aide can really help drive the point home.Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-60358821796401310552010-07-03T11:37:00.000-07:002010-07-06T08:04:28.399-07:00TV Tuesday: Prince of Persia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9bgCWydOAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u1zPbrIaupY/s1600/tv-tuesday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464801528942245890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9bgCWydOAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u1zPbrIaupY/s200/tv-tuesday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z8EA7EbFX4k&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z8EA7EbFX4k&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /></p><br /><p>Disney's most recent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_of_Persia">video game </a>adaptation has been the film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473075/">Prince of Persia</a>. As with any movie based on a video game, I had very low expectations with regards to plot and high expectations with regards to special effects and action film fun. Overall, though, I was disappointed.<br /><br />The plot was lacking, as I expected, so I was not disappointed in that way, but the poor acting made the fact glaringly obvious. The actors did not mesh well, and their body language was pretty flat. It was apparent much of the time that they were just reciting lines.<br /><br />The special effects were there, but their quality was far below the standard I have come to expect of Disney and other major film houses. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0325980/">Pirates of the Caribbean </a>this movie is not.<br /><br />The action sequence are pretty fun, with plenty of running, jumping, chasing, and hand-to-hand combat. And this was the primary strength of the film, especially since the action (even in battle scenes) neatly avoids bloody or gory imagery.<br /><br />For Aspies, my review is mixed. On the one hand, I like the film because the action is neither graphic nor realistic, and there really is no sexual content (the female character could definitely wear more, but it's nothing worse than we are accustomed to seeing in day-to-day advertising), making the film fairly appropriate for young teens and some preteens.<br /><br />On the other hand, the poor acting and the bad behavior of some of the characters (for which there is no apparent consequence) reinforces the poor social skills so common among children with AS. Moreover, the transparency of plot and characters does not challenge the Aspie child to see situations or people as being potentially multi-faceted. The bad guys are bad. The good guys are good, even when they behave badly. The damsel in distress is generally annoying and useless, although attractive. There are no surprises.<br /><br />So, if you want to take your child to a fun movie purely for the sake of entertainment, Prince of Persia is probably a decent choice. If you want to find something with a little redeeming value, move on to something else.<br /></p>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-11277741021121098772010-07-03T11:23:00.000-07:002010-07-05T13:25:01.322-07:00Media Monday: Take it for a Test Drive<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s1600/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464386260573094178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s200/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Almost two years ago now, my husband's sister and her children stayed with us for a couple of months. While they were with us, we made a point of renting fun movies and video games from our local movie rental for the kids.<br /><br />One week we rented a car racing game for my nephew. It seemed innocent enough. It was <a href="http://aspergersociety.blogspot.com/2010/02/media-monday-media-ratings-systems.html">rated "E" </a>and stored in the children's section of the video game area. My nephew loved it. But that week, we noticed that his behavior seriously went downhill. He became more aggressive and argumentative, both with his sisters and with the adults. He became destructive. And his outdoor play centered on crashing the remote control car we bought him. We found ourselves wondering what happened to the sweet, responsible, curious boy we all knew.<br /><br />Then we remembered that the change occurred around the same time that he started playing this game. We started paying attention during his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">game play</span> time. It soon became apparent that the game encouraged the player to crash rather than try to win the race. The graphics for crashing were high-tech (like something out of an action movie), slow motion, and generally really cool. When you won the race? Not so impressive. There was a banner and some low quality fireworks graphics. Crashing was far more fun.<br /><br />We returned the game at the end of the week rather than giving it the full two we had paid for. We replaced the game with something from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_(series)">Mario franchise</a> (I don't remember which one at this point). My nephew's behavior returned to normal within a couple of days.<br /><br />This incident was a fascinating example of how digital media use can effect behavior. And the example was in real time. But the real lesson for us had more to do with our purchasing behavior. We learned that just because a game is approved for a certain group doesn't mean it's an appropriate game. There are just some things that rating systems can't account for.<br /><br />The fact that the racing game was a rental was a godsend. For us, the real lesson was to rent before we buy. We won't buy a game until we know that it's a good one for us. I highly recommend making your local video rental store your friend when it comes to video games.</div>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-66309086796543631432010-06-29T10:04:00.000-07:002010-06-29T10:23:31.058-07:00TV Tuesday: Toy Story IIIThe latest installment in the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_FfHA5whXc">Toy Story</a> franchise follows very much in the same vein as its two predecessors. The film is very family friendly, with a well-written plot, and the continuing message the friendship and commitment are important values.<div><br /></div><div>In this film, the toys' person (Andy) has grown up and is headed off to college. What will happen to the toys? Will they go to the attic? Be donated? Get trashed? Turns out it's a little of all three, but their ultimate fate is much more satisfying, if teary-eyed. It's an excellent family film.</div><div><br /></div><div>My only reservation about the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435761/">Toy Story</a> franchise is that the basic premise (that toys can be sentient and have emotional attachments) promotes Disney's basic goal (to sell new merchandise). I could imagine small children, after seeing these films, having greater difficulty than they already do parting with unwanted toys, and this particular film does not paint a favorable portrait of donation. For small children, children who have difficulty distinguishing fantasy and reality, or children who easily for emotional bonds with inanimate objects, I would <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">exercise</span> caution with this film. Perhaps it would be best to watch it on the small screen with such children, or at the very least accompany the film with a discussion about imagination and fiction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, it's a wonderful movie for kids of all ages. Enjoy!</div>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-37818872750077330942010-06-14T23:59:00.000-07:002010-06-15T00:44:26.560-07:00Media Monday (umm...Tuesday?): Attention Span<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s1600/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464386260573094178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s200/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><div>I recently found <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2005-03-30-kids-attention_x.htm">this article </a>from <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/">USA Today's website</a>. Granted, it was published in 2005 and a lot of research has been done since then, but I think the article is interesting nonetheless. The article examines attention span and its relationship to digital media exposure in a rather shallow review of a study on the topic. The research in question found that lower grades in school were inversely correlated to video game play time, but that exposure to television and computer use bore no correlation. It also found that time spent reading books was correlated to grades in school.</div><br /><div>However, the article focuses on a complaint common among modern parents and teachers that kids just can't sit still like they used to. In addition to diagnoses of learning disabilities, social deficits, and ADHD going through the roof in frequency, "neuro-typical" kids are increasingly unable to sit still or concentrate on one thing at a time. They don't know how to tune out extraneous stimuli, and they don't have the patience to work through challenging activities.</div><br /><div>Personally, I think that focusing so much on the use (and overuse) of high-tech devices as an explanation for these problems is kind of like blaming obesity in America entirely on the popularity of ice cream--the consumption of vast quantities of ice cream doesn't help, but it's not the sole cause of the problem. American culture increasingly demands multi-tasking and inattentiveness of all its citizenry, not just the kids. I've worked in retail, and I've seen customers unable to focus on making purchasing decisions for more than a couple minutes without taking a break to regroup. I've also driven on American roadways and seen multi-tasking there! </div><div><br /> </div><div>But it's not just that. In modern American family life, where exactly are kids supposed to pick up the ability to focus on one thing at a time and sit still? Is it when they're doing homework and eating dinner in the back of the car en route from soccer to karate class? Or is it at home, during "family time," when dad is watching the game while talking on the phone and checking his email; mom is helping with homework, compiling the grocery list, and fixing a snack while also on the phone; and the kids are playing, eating, doing homework, and enjoying the game with dad? Perhaps it's at school. Nope, not there either. At school, they have to do their own portion of work while coordinating team activities, listen and respond to the teacher, ignore the sounds of some other class in PE outside, and secretly chat with friends about last night's episode of their favorite show.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482901650535316130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidxTufTpdbsYwSKXRIKSX2WYrwQk8ntxkjz-5m_bx4MhtQghp4kUHJe_N3hsWMh3n6oPD7DoLxp_e0t6a7YyinEbUQB9gB1f8hP3SXE61hwvQlLMHa-2xyplZn0V-AvITClQl3WTgQk3k/s200/Cities_Night_city_005128_%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Now that I think of it, it's no wonder these kids spend so much time glued to some kind of screen during their down time. How else can they assimilate all the information being thrown at them? Sleep doesn't provide enough time for it. </div><br /><div>I'll admit that the way video/computer games and television shows/movies are formatted doesn't help. There's plenty of evidence of that. But often, when we see something in others that we find disagreeable, it's actually a reflection of our own behavior or character that we dislike. I suspect most Americans would be happier if we could slow down a little and do a little more focusing and a little less multi-tasking, but it's hard to break the habit, especially when the realities of life so often demand it.</div><br /><div>Dear readers, please understand that this article is not to accuse anyone of bad parenting or make any parent feel bad for the life they lead. I know I personally spend way too much time glued to the computer or trying to do too many things at once, so I can hardly blame anyone else for doing the same. What I am saying is that many of the problems that plague Aspies seem to be problems, albeit to a lesser degree, for the larger population--problems stemming from the need to adapt to our own lifestyles. Perhaps it's time that we, as a country, reexamine those choices and decide which aspects of our lives really matter, and which aspects are superfluous or distracting.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482902086692616082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mI1lD4WpDVlD16HGP2_4vk0zMRCozLatuJ57X-cn9-Cn8i1ls7QpTBnxLhC2YEEIez380cAhk7MtOYbNR30kdflSdqK2IR89Q2uzZlfmlmBZ58lM7_XcE1Ut5r1xoyq6AN_jEJjoO-Ip/s200/Hetch+Hetchy2.JPG" border="0" /></div>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-67840288590331744382010-06-07T21:39:00.000-07:002010-06-07T21:50:07.104-07:00TV Tuesday: Robin Hood<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9bgCWydOAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u1zPbrIaupY/s1600/tv-tuesday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464801528942245890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9bgCWydOAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u1zPbrIaupY/s200/tv-tuesday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />While it's fairly obvious to the casual observer that the new <a href="http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=Robin+Hood">Robin Hood</a> movie is not for children, I think it bears reviewing. Even though most people would not take a small child to it, it is tempting to share the classic story through the silver screen with teenagers.<div><br /><object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KSqL9ygBCck&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KSqL9ygBCck&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, I think this latest rendition is fairly well done. It strives for historical accuracy in its sets, costumes, and props and the acting is very good. Moreover, this film is a new twist on a familiar plot. Rather than simply telling the legend, Robin Hood tries to put a more realistic spin on the story by placing it in an historical context (the baron's revolt against King John Plantagenet), which I like, even if the context is watered down to be more palatable to a modern American audience.</div><div><br /></div><div>That said, I don't think many teens would appreciate it, least of all those with short attention spans. The story does have plenty of action, but the plot involves a lot of political intrigue and detail for which most teens will not have patience. As a geek with a fascination for the Plantagenet dynasty (of which King John was one), I found the politics added a sense of authenticity to the story, but was overdone for the scope of the film. Even I wanted "less talk and more action" by the middle. In short: good movie, but leave the kids at home.</div>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-63691113905100143542010-06-05T20:56:00.000-07:002010-06-05T21:14:58.220-07:00Urine Test for Autism?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/TAsffEwrepI/AAAAAAAAALU/sjDyW4Z_khI/s1600/urine-test.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/TAsffEwrepI/AAAAAAAAALU/sjDyW4Z_khI/s320/urine-test.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479507990340663954" /></a>Recent <a href="http://bit.ly/dhVVfJ">news stories</a> about a urine test for autism caught my attention this week. Many studies have shown that individuals on the autism spectrum have difficulties with digestion. In many cases, although certainly not all, people on the spectrum tend to be very large or very thin. This tendency to cling to the extremes is curiously obvious at most Asperger social groups. Digestive "issues" are pervasive. Many aspies complain about these. I have noticed, for example, that under stress my stomach is easily upset and takes time to return to normal. Others can consume vast quantities of food without gaining a pound of weight for it. Yet others have difficulty losing weight despite diets and medicine. Aspies also tend to be picky eaters, betraying digestive sensitivity.<div><br /></div><div>Researchers have homed in on these digestive problems and now believe they can detect autism, in some cases, with a urine test. Although it sounds ridiculous it just might work. No gene has been identified as "causing" autism and it has been noted that individuals on the autism spectrum almost always have a series of neurological and physical difficulties. The fact that these other problems accompany autism is to me a clue that there is more than one cause. It may be a series of genetic, environmental, and developmental causes that lead to autism. Whatever the case, the prospect of better diagnosis offers an opportunity to improve conditions for those on the spectrum. Perhaps children will not have to be terrorized in kindergarten, as I was, and spend many years suffering from symptoms of a condition they have never even heard of.</div><div><br /></div><div>The availability of a detection method only underscores the growing need to spread neurodiversity and educate the general public about Asperger's and Autism. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/TAsfw3iwryI/AAAAAAAAALc/rhRNNoZ9Sdc/s1600/ik1.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/TAsfw3iwryI/AAAAAAAAALc/rhRNNoZ9Sdc/s320/ik1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479508296030269218" /></a></div><div>~Isaac Kight, President</div><div>The Asperger Society</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-31419388160216736422010-06-01T15:58:00.001-07:002010-06-02T05:10:48.278-07:00Asperger's and the Law<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/TAWXOf4WmqI/AAAAAAAAAK0/E6YMOHA4_XI/s1600/feynman_color2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477950797097900706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/TAWXOf4WmqI/AAAAAAAAAK0/E6YMOHA4_XI/s200/feynman_color2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"><br /></span></span></div>I have always been a strong advocate for neurodiversity. Far too many people have been mistreated due to their neurological condition. People with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) do know the difference between right and wrong, or can be taught, and cannot use their condition as an excuse. In the case of John Patrick Rogers of Huntington Beach, California, AS can neither explain nor defend his actions. This man has two convictions, to both which he plead guilty, of assault with a deadly weapon. He is terrorizing his neighbors, and he is now facing a third felony conviction. NA third strike felony conviction could mean a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. <div><br /><div>While the three strikes law has had the benefit of lowering crime, it also has some drawbacks. I personally oppose laws that remove discretion from juries because juries should have the right to determine how the law is applied, a power that for the last century has been usurped by judges. For a while judges were too lenient and more people fell victim to serious crimes by repeat offenders. This has led to a series of laws supported by victims advocates like the three strikes law. I can understand the reasons for these laws although on principal I do not support them. </div><div><br /></div><div>I cannot see any reason why John Rogers should serve a life term. Such a sentence would be a serious miscarriage of justice. The most serious crime he has committed this time seems to be causing $400 worth of damage to a car and a long series of similar small incidents. In this <a href="http://bit.ly/bQxzKI">news</a> report we can see that the media is not favorable to neurodiversity:</div><div><br /></div><div>1 While Asperger's Syndrome is reported as being a form of autism, the media continues to use the word autism afterward instead of Asperger's.</div><div><br /></div><div>2 One man interviewed said that Rogers was "close to going over the edge." Over the edge of what? He seems to be implying that Rogers is somehow insane and will soon "lose it." This is a common problem, many people do not understand the difference between neurological challenges and mental challenges. </div><div><br /></div><div>3 Toward the end of the report a second interviewee refers to mental issues. Again, Asperger's Syndrome is not a mental disorder, it is a neurological one. The reporters should have made some effort to clarify this point.</div><div><br /></div><div>I do agree with the District Attorney that Rogers does know right from wrong. I disagree with his being prosecuted this way. Clearly he needs treatment and support to change his habits, but he does not need a 25 year jail sentence. Once again, Aspies find ourselves being punished for having AS.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I wonder if this story would have made the news if Mr. Rogers did not live in a gated community in an upscale part of southern California...</div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-19209032762316771142010-05-30T16:20:00.000-07:002010-05-30T18:24:54.899-07:00TV Tuesday: Clash of the Titans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9bgCWydOAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u1zPbrIaupY/s1600/tv-tuesday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464801528942245890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9bgCWydOAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u1zPbrIaupY/s200/tv-tuesday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">While <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800320/">Clash of the Titans </a>has been in theaters for a while now, I think it's a good example of Hollywood's perennial fascination with Greek mythology. On the one hand, the movie is fairly true to the myth of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseus">Perseus</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andromeda_(mythology)">Andromeda</a> (links contain artistic nudity). The acting is good, the language and conversation are appropriate and exhibit more intelligence than most big budget films. The special effects are spectacular, and the violence is less gory than most fantasy films.<br /><br /><object height="360" width="580"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q6CJenNMsb4&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/q6CJenNMsb4&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object><br /><br />On the other hand, all those blessings don't necessarily make for a child-friendly film. Most importantly, Greek myths are pretty graphic by their very nature. They are especially full of sexual impropriety and violence. While movie scripts can refer to these things delicately, they are still there, often because they are instrumental to the story being told.<br /><br />The other problem is that ancient tales are often given modern morals in order to be "relevant" to a modern audience. In this case, the behavior of the Greek gods is explained through the concept that the gods needed the prayers and offerings of humans to survive--they needed humans more than humans needed them. This theme recasts the tale of Perseus as one of rebellion against the irrational tyranny of religion. While this might not be problematic for some viewers, religious viewers will probably object and should know about it in advance.<br /><br />The other problem with this message is more relevant for parents of Aspies. Given the human foibles of the Greek gods, Clash of the Titans and its anti-religious message could easily be interpreted as anti-authority. Since children with AS often have difficulty accepting or understanding hierarchies that do not put them on top of the totem pole. Movies that further undermine the concept of authority are not helpful in teaching them such an important social skill.<br /><br />Personally, I think that passing on the Greek myths is a very worth while pursuit. These stories tell incredible tales of adventure and heroism, while highlighting humanity's flaws and weaknesses. They capture the imagination and can teach valuable lessons at the same time. But I think these stories are best shared as they were originally meant to be: orally. If your child will stand for it, find a good children's retelling of the Greek myths and read aloud from it. If your child is old enough and interested, take turns reading. Here is one of my favorites: </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=stitchwhisper-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0440406943&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-83525845258447432232010-05-17T05:12:00.000-07:002010-05-17T05:50:03.916-07:00Media Monday: Video Games and Visual Coordination<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s1600/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464386260573094178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s200/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />According to a 2003 <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/">National Geographic</a> <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/05/0528_030528_videogames_2.html">article</a>, researchers that the University of New York in Rochester found that playing action video games conferred on players have better visual skills than non-gamers. Gamers were better at picking out visual detail in real-life situations (noticing the playing child on the side of the street while driving, for example), and so responded faster to such stimuli. They were more aware of their overall environment, suggesting that video games could be useful as therapy for the visually impaired or as training for soldiers preparing for combat in uncharted places.<br /><br />In short, the study showed "enhanced allocation of spatial attention over the visual field" among gamers. However, no indication is given in the article as to the preferred activities of the non-gamer control group. I would wonder how gamers would compare to hunters or survivalists. Granted, those are pretty small groups, but in a natural environment excellent spacial skills are necessary for humans. What activities in the natural environment does this digital training mimic? I think this is an excellent lead for further anthropological study.<br /><br />In any case, Aspies are often excel in visual learning, are often drawn to video games and other visual entertainment, and are easily distracted or overwhelmed by visual stimuli in their living environment. With proper guidance and training, could this collection of tendencies and the presence of a sensory sensitivity be turned into an advantage?Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-57809031032518954002010-05-10T02:06:00.000-07:002010-05-12T03:40:07.700-07:00Media Monday: Food for Thought<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s1600/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464386260573094178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s200/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This week, I thought I'd direct you all to an interesting episode of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/">Frontline</a>, entitled "<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/digitalnation/view/">Digital Nation</a>" (trailer below). It explores the growing worlds of the internet and virtual reality from a variety of perspectives, some positive, some critical, and explores a growing body of research regarding living in a digital world.<br /><br /><br /><br />I'd love to hear what you think.<br /><br /><br /><object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9CFCv9TLoI8&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&hd=1&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9CFCv9TLoI8&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-78041995958113016702010-05-04T09:37:00.000-07:002010-05-05T20:16:16.738-07:00TV Tuesday: Iron Man II<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S-IzAOZcUSI/AAAAAAAAAIE/qfg9Et8FTVk/s1600/tv-tuesday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 182px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S-IzAOZcUSI/AAAAAAAAAIE/qfg9Et8FTVk/s200/tv-tuesday.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467988976539029794" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1228705/">Iron Man II </a>is a fun, comic book romp that lives up to the expectations set by the first movie and by Marvel Comics in general. That said, it is not a children's movie, as has been the case for every Marvel Comics movie I have ever seen. It is an action flick. It is about special effects, movie stars, and big guns. And that's what we, the audience, want in this kind of movie.<br /><br />But this kind of movie is not for children. I will say, though, that it could be a fun movie for teens, especially mature ones. There is little offensive language, no nudity, and no blood or gruesome violence. The female characters (especially Scarlett Johansson) do wear rather form fitting clothing, but aren't in every scene.<br /><br />There you have it.<br /><br /><object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FNQowwwwYa0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&hd=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FNQowwwwYa0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-85320062299080876012010-05-03T11:51:00.001-07:002010-05-03T13:07:17.437-07:00Media Monday: A Little Distance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s1600/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464386260573094178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s200/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />One of the most interesting things about my experience of living outside the US these past few months has been to learn how other people view Americans and American culture. Now, bear in mind that I <em>am</em> in a Western country, a close ally of the US, with a socialist government. We've all heard a lot about how people live in countries like this one--France, the UK, Germany, etc.--both good and bad. For better or worse, people tend to be secular; marry late; have very few children; enjoy a somewhat wild party life; and foster relatively liberal views of alcohol, drugs, and sex. I'm not making a judgment of any of those perceptions, just stating them.<br /><br />Apparently, many people outside the US think that we Americans are actually the libertine ones. Since I've been here I have seen some pretty wild behavior. Women regularly wear clothes reserved in the US for members of the oldest profession. Walking down the street can be like a glimpse into what the British call a "lad mag" (like GQ or Maxim) between the overpowering sexuality of the women and the hot-off-the-runway clothes worn by the men. It's like nothing I have ever witnessed in the US in the country or the city (including New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco). So why do those in my midst think that <em>they</em> are the conservative ones? The answer is simple, and they'll tell you all about it:<br /><br />American digital media.<br /><br />Americans love the party life. On screen. It's glamorous, exciting, wealthy, beautiful, uninhibited--everything we think we want--but as long as it stays on the movie screen or the television, it's safe too. You don't have to worry about STDs, violence, or a broken heart when you live vicariously through a movie star. We Americans know, for the most part, that it's all fake. We have real America in our own lives and right outside our front door. But if your only experiences of American culture are Survivor, Nip/Tuck, and the latest summer blockbuster, you'd have a different perspective too.<br /><br />From the foreign perspective, Americans are overly competitive, obsessed with our bodies, promiscuous in the extreme, and unimaginably wealthy (as in we "all live in Beverly Hills"--a local friend once asked us how many servants we had back in the States!). They also see us as childish, in part because we have the incredible luxury of a 5-day work week (here the work week takes up 6 days), but also because this culture (and many European cultures) view slapstick comedy, science fiction, animation, and computer/video games as childish. They don't understand when Americans balk at the idea of movies like American Pie being for kids. When it comes to sexuality, some think that American pornography is a realistic depiction of American sexual behavior (another friend here was shocked to learn otherwise).<br /><br />Unfortunately, given the elements of our culture that Americans choose to export, it is increasingly easy for me to understand why other cultures look down on ours and have a poor opinion of Americans overall. So how is this relevant for Media Monday on the Asperger Society Blog?<br /><br />As parents, we are responsible for how our children acquire culture. We teach them values, behaviors, belief systems, social skills. This is especially true for parents of Aspies, since those with AS often have trouble learning these things from experience. And we all know we have our work cut out for us with all of the other influences competing with our own, from school to soccer to the Internet.<br /><br />So here's a thought experiment for you this week:<br /><ol><br /><li>Make a note (mental or on paper) of what your child views (Internet, games, television, movies, print media), especially in terms of images.</li><br /><li>If you had no other experience of American culture, what messages would those exposures on your list send about beliefs, values, social mores, and behaviors?</li><br /><li>How do those messages mesh with your actual beliefs, values, social mores, and behaviors?</li><br /><li>Are any of the messages found in item 2 reflected in your child's behavior?</li></ol><br /><p>You will not necessarily find a correlation between media exposure and your child's behavior (positive or negative), but if you do, it might reflect whether your child has difficulty distinguishing reality and fantasy.</p>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-10023749431693864452010-04-26T07:00:00.000-07:002010-04-27T06:04:14.816-07:00TV Tuesday: Bakugan (Anime, Part 2)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9bgCWydOAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u1zPbrIaupY/s1600/tv-tuesday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 182px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9bgCWydOAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u1zPbrIaupY/s200/tv-tuesday.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464801528942245890" /></a><br />This week I decided to address the popularity of anime among kids on the spectrum. Yesterday, I discussed the serious difference between American expectations of animated entertainment and those of the Japanese. But that's all theoretical. This post is where the rubber meets the road.<br /><br />While many anime shows are very popular among kids with AS (and popular among the general population of American youth), I chose to review Bakugan, which was the easiest for me to find on Youtube :P However, I have watched other popular anime and I think Bakugan is a pretty typical example of the genre as it is represented in America. The theme is a science fiction universe in which a group of children work with a group of beings (bakugan) to save Earth and the bakugan home world, both in the "real" world and in a virtual duelling environment. My personal opinion is that the plot is anemic and tries to compensate with the inclusion of an overly complicated setting, but that's not the point of this post.<br /><br />I do not recommend this program for young children at all and urge extreme caution in showing Bakugan to children with AS, and all for reasons that can be applied to many anime programs.<br /><ul><li>First, the characters (both humans and bakugan) exhibit extremely poor sportsmanship. They try to one up each other and are constantly vying for a fight.</li><li>Second, both the music and dialogue create a very high stress environment for the story. The characters treat each event as being of the utmost importance.</li><li>Third, in part because the show was originally in Japanese and has to be dubbed in English, the dialogue is of a very poor quality, both in terms of content and of vocabulary.</li><li>Fourth, the adults are bad guys.</li><li>Fifth, good advice proceeds from bakugan, not from adults, not from one friend to another. Imagine a child looking for guidance from a Bionicle figurine.</li><li>Sixth, the female characters, like so many in the anime world, are highly sexualized (both in shape and dress) and very ditzy.</li><li>Finally, human characters exhibit very poor manners.</li></ul><p>For children with social deficits, all of these things can be very alluring, but they set an extremely poor example. They do not need to see programs that glorify the very behaviors that make learning, relationships, and social hierarchies so complicated for them.</p><p>What do you think?</p>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-90421999956367039552010-04-24T18:47:00.000-07:002010-04-26T03:09:39.379-07:00Media Monday: Anime<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s1600/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 137px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9VmWjj8ASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1sa_E8CzEvA/s200/Media+Monday+button-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464386260573094178" /></a><br />Anime (Japanese animation) and manga (Japanese comic books and graphic novels) are very popular among children with AS, but should be approached with caution. Most anime and manga use as themes many of the difficult and maladaptive behaviors with which children with social deficits struggle, among them:<br /><ul><br /><li>lack of discipline</li><br /><li>difficulty prioritizing (everything is a crisis)</li><br /><li>good sportsmanship</li><br /><li>confrontational behavior</li><br /><li>being in a social hierarchy where they are not in charge</li><br /><li>an innapropriate approach to sexuality (especially for girls)</li><br /><li><div align="left">overly simplistic vocabulary and verbal interactions (for teenagers)</div><div align="left"><br /></div></li></ul><p align="left">Part of the reason that all of the above are a problem is that a significant culture gap exists between the intent of the Japanese animators and the perceptions of American viewers. For a Japanese audience, anime is mostly adult programming and is viewed as satire. Japanese culture has many strict rules of behavior that are socially enforced (by American standards, at least), and the behavior of anime characters often involves the exact opposite of Japanese social mores. Japanese viewers (young and old) know this and are able to laugh at it.</p><p align="left">Such is not necessarily the case for American viewers, especially the young ones. I have personally observed avid anime viewers with AS adopt the speech patterns and social behavior of their favorite anime program. It is not a good social habit and is, quite frankly, counterproductive to the teaching of social skills.</p><p align="left">Children with AS often have difficulty reaching out of their own sphere. It can be difficult to empathise or interpret the intent and behavior of others, and very easy to assume that the world is out to get you (especially if you have prior experience of being bullied). Thus, prioritizing people, things, and activities can be very difficult; frustrations abound; competitive behavior can be taken to an extreme; and hierarchy can seem like mass persecution. Programs that treat the resulting poor behavior as normative can therefore be a very bad influence.</p><p align="left">Since anime is largely intended for an adult (male) audience, the appearance and behavior of female characters is often highly sexual. A ridiculously exaggerated figure is a normal appearance, as is idiotic behavior. For the AS child (especially teens), the abundance of sexual imagery in American culture can send a lot of mixed messages that don't need to be compounded by unhealthy stereotypes. And girls on the spectrum are often easily drawn in to a highly sexualized image of female behavior, both because it gives them a false sense of popularity and because it allows them to manipulate men (or feel that they are doing so). Female aspies can also be easily seduced by the apparent social acceptability of ditsy behavior, an image promoted by many female anime characters.</p><p align="left">Most importantly, though, is the innately adult intent of Japanese animation. Japanese people of all ages watch anime and read manga, and some forms of anime can be very serious (dramatic) or sexually explicit (even pornographic). Entering the world of anime puts one in very close proximity to extremely adult content. In fact, by doing an image search for "anime" two images on the first page of search results were distinctly x-rated. While these things are generally inappropriate for children and teens, they are especially complicated for children and teens on the spectrum who may not fully understand the implications and consequences of sexual behavior.</p><p align="left">Overall, I think that Japanese animation must be approached with extreme caution, bearing in mind the cultural context of the imagery itself, the maturity of the viewer, and how confident the parent is of his ability to discuss any resulting issues with his child.</p>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-29319154929714687442010-04-24T17:36:00.000-07:002010-04-29T13:54:16.301-07:00Think About Thursday: Teaching Disabilities<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9OO26-1ZbI/AAAAAAAAAHs/76wEEFY0lGo/s1600/question-mark.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 177px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pgnhSDFYEaQ/S9OO26-1ZbI/AAAAAAAAAHs/76wEEFY0lGo/s200/question-mark.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463867847127426482" /></a><br /><div>I have worked with a number of children who have been diagnosed with, or otherwise identified as having learning disabilities. It has always been curious to me that this label appears so often. In my experience many of these learning disabilities are not the real problem. The more relevant problem is teaching disability.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is a fact that children learn in different ways. Some learn better through reading and writing, others through hearing and seeing, and yet more need to do something in order to learn it. The real problem is the "one size fits all" education. The current education system, designed in the 19th Century, draws children together at a time early in the morning and has them perform repetitive and often mindless tasks for several hours before they are allowed to go home and continue performing repetitive tasks that we call homework. It is an education system that is ideal for an industrial society wherein one must rise early in the morning, be at work on time, perform mindless repetitive tasks all day and then go home.</div><div><br /></div><div>That society does not exist anymore. Today we need an education system that promotes creativity and innovation. One that allows children to develop their own unique talents, strengthen their academic weaknesses, and grow their general knowledge. I can recall that in 8th Grade my history teacher had me speak to the class about the pros and cons of the 17th Amendment (to the US Constitution). My classmates were astounded. In my high school government class I was one of seven students who passed the US citizenship test and the first student in that schools history to earn a 100% on said exam. Meanwhile, it took me two years to complete Algebra 1 with barely passing grades, the less said of Geometry the better!</div><div><br /></div><div>Why can't we have an education system wherein a student who has a talent for history can advance at their own pace and take more advanced classes when they are ready for them, while also taking math a little slower? A system wherein a child who is an audio-visual learner can receive help in learning through reading and writing. </div><div><br /></div><div>The fact is that our current education system has several serious teaching disabilities. It cannot adapt to varying learning styles. With 30 children in a room there are too many students to receive individualized instruction. It cannot offer instruction in the audio-visual, reading-writing, and doing learning styles for each subject.</div><div><br /></div><div>A change needs to be made.</div><div><br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-55512187875730995892010-04-13T06:19:00.000-07:002010-04-13T06:53:29.854-07:00TV Tuesday: The Clone Wars<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433652547170108242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQo4qgXbAKXZHOnOrGs8hnB1ZUe-FHwuCVsV4G3rLeS2iJMpMEa_HmPkGOaCjwtiDlLk-GZ9mdm_uU9UhX-IHpBIfOozaFVfTIhZcnWqfJrV8MWUsycAGpt0nMGFWCGfWXtgVk8h3Nh0P/s200/tv-tuesday.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Clone_Wars_(2008_TV_series)">The Clone Wars</a> is a cartoon series, currently in its second season, aired on <a href="http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/">Cartoon Network</a>. It is a computer animated account of the <a href="http://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/">Star Wars saga </a>during the period between movies 2 and 3. Obviously, the primary target audience consists of Star Wars fans, but it is marketed to (and in some ways written for) children as well.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1hrDYdGGnTGpgwkOk5bhCV3OuRnHkVGlUayxCcuakTuPoAfHLrxCpZ4AEZmZ8QO_2k5ls18_Uit5VUN_Du5y4xxKSQagANwzfLtxcY94eQdKFkB5ljSwdl19EN87X0fAMl3RWkpwP_yq/s1600/star-wars-the-clone-wars-logo%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459618484070320898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1hrDYdGGnTGpgwkOk5bhCV3OuRnHkVGlUayxCcuakTuPoAfHLrxCpZ4AEZmZ8QO_2k5ls18_Uit5VUN_Du5y4xxKSQagANwzfLtxcY94eQdKFkB5ljSwdl19EN87X0fAMl3RWkpwP_yq/s200/star-wars-the-clone-wars-logo%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I think this series is a good one for teens, although younger people could watch it too with parental supervision and input, depending on family values, of course. For the most part, the stories are well developed, but easy to follow, with some being more mature and others less to appeal to the broadest audience.<br /><br />I like that, while each 30-minute episode contains a complete plot, they are all part of a larger story leading to an ultimate resolution. They also explain different things and characters found in the movies but left undeveloped. This kind of detail can be hard to find in modern entertainment. The series also explores a lot of political and philosophical ideas through its setting. For example, many episodes involve conflict between soldiers and pacifists, forcing an examination of the motives of each group and the breadth of their principles (Should a pacifist engage in violent behavior for self-defense?).<br /><br />However, the show is naturally a violent one--it tells the story of a war, after all. While it does depict a certain amount of torture when characters are captured, there is never any depiction of blood. Also, female characters are generally depicted in a very sexual manner, regardless of their role in the story. Their clothes are often tight or revealing, their body shape is exaggerated, and they move in a seductive manner. While female characters are also often intelligent, strong, and powerful (featured as heroes, villains, soldiers, civilians, and politicians), they are clearly visually designed to appeal to a particular audience. </p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqYogM1pk8ST-aQpnHF6BYRv2kvOPXc83TQs1CuLtdDiETY_Inw25ZoZbOIHbWQCr-rj0pidxHLHU919-jgp7w0WStVmlHwQg9u5fsqSj3_3iitlMoyOeZzq0VNKMF_12zmKJEeYKxjpb/s1600/The-Clone-Wars-1561%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459618570763449618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 168px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 135px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqYogM1pk8ST-aQpnHF6BYRv2kvOPXc83TQs1CuLtdDiETY_Inw25ZoZbOIHbWQCr-rj0pidxHLHU919-jgp7w0WStVmlHwQg9u5fsqSj3_3iitlMoyOeZzq0VNKMF_12zmKJEeYKxjpb/s200/The-Clone-Wars-1561%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Overall, The Clone Wars is an engaging and amusing show with plenty to engage adults and children alike. However, I do not think it is appropriate for young children. </p>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-11409190542580981112010-04-12T16:52:00.000-07:002010-04-13T06:33:30.707-07:00Media Monday-Why Not TV?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mlUGuhFU3u-Nxd3yacd6Y-aNHlz1Hkx7mNt-5rU6n_yfkykIP-bmGN8mTQ2cz6bHwh9Hdcpo3DI7zpsC8nOMc4ywlEyqV0OMoxFUpBTfrZB1XSO32bDD66RNMJzD0Lg0kj-8Hy10XW24/s1600-h/Media+Monday+button.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433383198703125618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mlUGuhFU3u-Nxd3yacd6Y-aNHlz1Hkx7mNt-5rU6n_yfkykIP-bmGN8mTQ2cz6bHwh9Hdcpo3DI7zpsC8nOMc4ywlEyqV0OMoxFUpBTfrZB1XSO32bDD66RNMJzD0Lg0kj-8Hy10XW24/s200/Media+Monday+button.jpg" border="0" /></a>I have frequently posted the recommendation to view television programming through Internet media, such as Hulu, or through television recording technologies, such as DVR and TiVo. Why?<div><br /></div><div>First of all, I think that "premeditated" viewing will lead parents to being more selective and thoughtful in their and their children's viewing time. If you have to go in search of it, you'll probably think about whether you really want it first. </div><div><br /></div><div>Second, it allows parents to screen shows ahead of time for content. Not sure about the propriety of a show? Now you can watch it first and decide whether it is appropriate with all the information at hand.</div><div><br /></div><div>Third, in a word: advertising. When you prerecord, you have the power to skip the ads altogether. We all know that advertising is an annoying waste of time (ahem, except during the Super Bowl ; P), but it can also seriously compete with values parents try to teach their kids. I have actually seen advertising for erectile dysfunction medication and condoms during children's programming. And all the ads using scantily clad, seductive models to sell products air with family friendly programing too. Personally, I'm not ready for my toddler to be exposed to that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moreover, marketing firms know (and do studies on it) that marketing to children works (Beder, 1998). Not only do they have their own buying power, but they can persuade their parents to make purchases, and marketing messages absorbed in youth form children's future buying habits. The average American child sees 20,000,000 30-second ads every single year, and that doesn't include billboards, the grocery store, magazines, or the Internet--just television (Herr, 2007). How can a parent hope to compete with that? And research seems to suggest that the ubiquitous marketing of unhealthy foods to children contributes to American children's poor eating habits and overall health. Some even theorize that the current generation of children may be the first to face a lower life expectancy than their parents in several generations (Kunkel, McKinley & Wright, 2009).</div><div><br /></div><div>Fourth, I think it encourages family viewing. With the proliferation of entertainment media in our homes (some 66% of American homes house three or more television sets), it has become increasingly easy for family members to spend time at home without interacting. Even when everyone is sitting together on the couch, one member may be texting, another working on homework, a third listening to music, and another surfing the Internet, all with the television on in the background. It's a situation that is not conducive to family interaction. If multiple family members watch and pay attention to the same TV show, it gives them something about which to converse later. According to CSU Northridge (Herr, 2007), the average parent spend just 3.5 minutes per week in meaningful conversation with their child. Surely increased time spent in a common activity could increase that average! </div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sources</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Beder, Sharon, (1998). 'A community view', Caring for children in the media age, Papers from a national conference, edited by John Squires and Tracy Newlands, New College Institute for Values Research, Sydney, pp. 101-111. Retrieved 12 April, 2010, from http://www.uow.edu.au/~sharonb/children.html.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Herr, Norman, (2007). Television and health. Retrieved 12 April, 2010, from http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html.</i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:12px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:12px;"><i>Kunkel, D., McKinley, C., & Wright, P., (December 2009). The impact of industry self-regulation on the nutritional quality of foods advertised on television to children. Retrieved, 12 April, 2010, from http://www.foodpolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/adstudy09_report-1.pdf.</i></span></span></div>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-65378736828009969902010-04-06T23:39:00.000-07:002010-04-06T23:55:34.568-07:00TV Tuesday...ahem, Wednesday: How to Train Your DragonSorry for the delay! I forgot it was Tuesday yesterday =P<div><br /><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQo4qgXbAKXZHOnOrGs8hnB1ZUe-FHwuCVsV4G3rLeS2iJMpMEa_HmPkGOaCjwtiDlLk-GZ9mdm_uU9UhX-IHpBIfOozaFVfTIhZcnWqfJrV8MWUsycAGpt0nMGFWCGfWXtgVk8h3Nh0P/s200/tv-tuesday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433652547170108242" border="0" /><br /></div><div>This week, we watched the latest from Dreamworks: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0892769/">How to Train Your Dragon</a>, an animated tale of a young Viking misfit who forms an unlikely relationship with his people's worst enemy.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a charming film. Our hero, Hiccup, is a geek. He does not fit in with the other Vikings physically, intellectually, or any other way, but desperately wishes to attain greatness and recognition from his community. As a teenage boy, he would also like a little recognition from his female classmate, Astrid. But all that changes when he tames and makes friends with a dragon (these Vikings hunt dragons, because the dragons pillage Viking villages and flocks). Over the course of the movie, Hiccup not only proves himself a loyal and brave friend, but sticks to his principles, stands up for a worthy cause, exercises diplomacy, and protects the innocent.</div><div><br /></div><div>More importantly, though, Hiccup shares much in common with many Aspies. He doesn't fit in with his peers, and doesn't know how, even though he would like to. He has lofty goals that seem ridiculous to everyone else, but lead him down strange paths to unexpected goals and interests. He has excellent analytical skills, and, when given a good context, can apply them well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, How to Train Your Dragon is an excellent film. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0892769/">some mild use of profanity</a> and a few jokes thrown in to amuse parents, so use your own judgment in taking younger children. Other than that, I recommend seeing it with no reservations.</div></div>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673157060408233200.post-15221730700530804762010-04-05T08:08:00.000-07:002010-04-05T09:08:51.962-07:00Being There<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mlUGuhFU3u-Nxd3yacd6Y-aNHlz1Hkx7mNt-5rU6n_yfkykIP-bmGN8mTQ2cz6bHwh9Hdcpo3DI7zpsC8nOMc4ywlEyqV0OMoxFUpBTfrZB1XSO32bDD66RNMJzD0Lg0kj-8Hy10XW24/s1600-h/Media+Monday+button.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433383198703125618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mlUGuhFU3u-Nxd3yacd6Y-aNHlz1Hkx7mNt-5rU6n_yfkykIP-bmGN8mTQ2cz6bHwh9Hdcpo3DI7zpsC8nOMc4ywlEyqV0OMoxFUpBTfrZB1XSO32bDD66RNMJzD0Lg0kj-8Hy10XW24/s200/Media+Monday+button.jpg" border="0" /></a>I'm sure my Media Monday and TV Tuesday posts frequently sound like Luddite tirades. I'll grant that my personal preference leans towards a "less is more" approach to technology and television (not that I live up to that in my real life, mind). But I do think technology has a valuable role in our society, including in the lives of our children. <div><br /></div><div>These posts can seem like an overwhelming to-do list for parents who are all too often already struggling to keep up with the daily demands of life, but it's not intended to be that way. They are intended as a record of ideas and suggestions. I've heard far too many parents complain that they don't know how to control the role of digital media in their lives or that of their children, and it can be especially difficult for those parents whose children are prone to obsession. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>It's your life. It's your children's upbringing. You control it. Not your computer. Not your cell phone. Not the TV. Not your cable package. And certainly not the gaming console.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I have frequently allowed myself to use the television for background noise, especially when I have been the only adult at home. Having something going keeps away the temptation to shirk my daily chores and go out to Starbucks. But I find, time and again, that when I do that I also allow unnecessary stressors into my life. I end up watching shows I find annoying or listening to people I find offensive. Finding something "worth" watching can interrupt an hour of my life and raise my blood pressure with frustration. I don't need that. Life is stressful enough without letting the remote be my master. I was allowed into that trap as a child, too, and it was stressful then.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've heard many people sing the praises of <a href="http://frugalhacks.com/2010/03/12/frugality-isnt-deprivation-kids-favor/">living cable free</a>. They say it's easier to keep the kids away from consumerism and bad behavioral habits, that their children are more intellectually inclined, more imaginative, more active. I believe they may take it a little too far, as I think it's important for kids to grow up with some exposure to pop culture. It makes social interaction much easier. I also think the television can be a valuable learning tool (the recent Planet Earth documentary series is an excellent example). What I want for my life and that of my son is to strike a balance in which we can enjoy quality viewing time that adds richness to our lives, but does not control us.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you and your child enjoy different programming ask yourself the following:</div><div><ul><li>Does the show you are watching/talking about really engage your interest?</li><li>Do you feel good while/after watching it?</li><li>If you couldn't watch this show, would you miss it?</li><li>What do you gain by watching this show?</li></ul><div>Now, these questions shouldn't be used to limit your viewing to period film and documentaries unless that's what you really enjoy. If you find real enjoyment in watching the afternoon soaps or the latest reality program, that's good too! It's about making sure that your entertainment is actually entertaining and not burdensome.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I have my doubts about going cable free or TV free, I do think going on occasional fasts from the television can be useful. The first day or two can be difficult, but after that you may find yourself exploring a new interest, doing things you haven't gotten around to for a while, or simply <a href="http://www.fridayisfamily.com/">spending more quality time with family</a>. It's important to make sure that the TV is not the central theme of your life. It's also important for kids to know how to enjoy life without a screen in front of their faces. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, all that said, I encourage you to participate in TV-Turnoff Week this month (April 19-25). If you are interested, visit <a href="http://www.tvturnoff.org/">this website</a> for details. </div></div>Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13976054517657015951noreply@blogger.com0