According to Berk (2006), peer relationships are significant for normal psychological and social behaviors because they allow them to shape models and strategies for successful communication. More importantly, interacting with peers can also create new response mechanisms that can contribute to their normal existence in a social environment. However, children with disabilities might encounter social barriers while learning and communicating with other children due to different strategies they have for interaction (Berk, 2006).
In particular, there are tangible difficulties with processing information due to neurologically predetermined problem, including communicating delays, poor coordination, and problems with memory and socialization (Silver, 2008). While reading, children might have problems with understanding, retrieving, and processing information they receive while reading.
The above-presented challenges prevent children from normal learning and socializing, and the role of counselor lies in introducing alternative, narrow-focused strategies that help disabled children adjust to new learning and social settings (Berk, 2008, p. 604).
In particular, specific attention requires the development technologically advanced and specialized counseling, which can contribute to children’s comfortable adaptation to a new environment (Silver, 2008). Creating classes with disabled children may allow children to feel their connection and identity to peers with similar problems. Under these circumstances, peer sociability could be developed through these environments more effectively (Berk, 2006, 470).
Berk (2008) argues that children under age 8 focus solely on attitudes and emotions, behaviors, and activities. Once children fail to receive appropriate patterns to respond to social clues, they can experience inappropriate decisions, leading to conflicts and wrong decisions.
Under these circumstances, sociodramatic play becomes “especially common during the preschool years and supports cognitive, emotional and social development” (Berk, 2006, p. 606). In addition, psychology can also employ teaching strategies by using models and example of other children with appropriate behaviors.
Ericson’s psychological theory focuses on various stages of development. With regard to the case, Catherine belongs to adolescence stage, at which she longs to finding her social and culture identity (Berk, 2006, p. 18). At this point, child upbringing can be perceived in regard with the competences and values that are accepted and needed in society (Berk, 2006, p. 19). Thus, understanding culture’s life situation in which Catherine is placed can provide new perspectives on strategies and techniques for preventing problems.
Sometimes teenagers face difficulties in evaluating their social relationships because of constraints they encounter in a family environment (Berk, 2006). Confronting social and cultural challenges alone does not allow them to define their life goals because aspiration for social recognition and support prevails over desire to self-identification (Berk, 2006, p. 17).
Lack of appropriate child rearing, as well as inability of parents and counselors from providing sufficient guidance and support prevent children from understanding potential risk of consuming alcohol and drugs (Berk, 2006, p. 17).
Social-cognitive and comprehensive techniques can contribute greatly to Catherine healthy adjustment to a new school environment (Berk, 2006). The strategy involves parental training, sufficient guidance ensured by counselors, and training children to practice empathy and sympathy (Goodlight, 2013).
Children, therefore, should acquire skills for solving social problems and dealing with aggression, which can reduce anti-social behaviors and improve communication with peers and teachers (Berk, 2006). More importantly, teachers must ensure that children can make right choices and make other peers respect them. In such a manner, they will be able to restore their normal communication skills.
References
Berk, L.E. (2006). Child Development. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Publishing.
Goodlight, A. (2013). How to Deal with Children’s Inappropriate Behavior. Consumer Knowledge. Web.
Silver, L. B. (2008). How Do You Know If Your Child Might Have a Learning Disability? WETA. Web.