The Positive Side of Reseach with Children

     The potential for risk and harm exists as a possibility in most any research. However, without research, positive change, knowledge growth, and new ideas would be hard to come by and even harder to share with others.
     My cousin recently received her doctorate in Speech Language Pathology and works as a researcher and professor at Penn State and Boston Children's Hospital. Her primary area of interest is language pathology and technology. Her most recent research has explored the ways in which social media aids individuals with speech language pathologies, and ways in which augmentative and assertive communication (AAC) can and is being used by these individuals to enhance their communications with others. 
     Her current study is qualitative and provides examples of how social media use with AAC can drive clinical practice as well as research. In speaking with her recently, she was excited to share stories of how children who have severely compromised communication skills are able to interact within the social media venue. This creates opportunities for connection, social-emotional development, and shared learning.
     As social media continues to grow, it presents opportunities for communication and connection in new and exciting ways. Her research is helping to identify ways in which AAC does and can continue to aid in children's connections with others.

Attached is the link to her research poster: Engagement in Social Media Environments for Individuals who use Augmentative and Adaptive Communication.

My Personal Research Journey

For the better part of the last 10 years my goal was to open a pediatric hospice and grief counseling program in my area. There is something really incredible about working with death and dying, as well as grief and bereavement. It is a sacred time in our lives, much like birth, where we labor between one stage of life and the next. Because most hospice programs serve only adult patients, children and families of terminally ill children, often spend their last weeks or months within the confines of a hospital, where their symptoms can be managed, but quality of life is restricted. I've worked with the siblings of adults and children who have died and have always been struck by how well children handle death, it's really us adults that muck it up. My idea was to create a program that could serve children in their own homes, or within a home-like setting, where family could stay together. The program would also foster relationships between families and children, empowering them to support one another and realize that this process could be one filled with love and hope.

Then my son was born. I worked full time and missed a lot of his first 3 years, seeing him only an hour a night during the work week. And while I still held the idea of a pediatric hospice program close, I really just wanted to spend time with my son. Ever chance I had I would take him to parks, museums, and the library. Watching him learn and develop gave me the same sense of awe and authenticity that sitting vigil did (I realize that sounds odd, but its true). In both instances I am a companion on another person's journey, watching with wonder and pride a beautiful process unfold.

So, how can I spend time in that space with my son and facilitate it for others? By developing a children's museum/discovery center. And with my background in counseling and working with children and families, as well as my experiences with my own son, I have the unique opportunity to tailor the center to meet a need: social emotional development. In my work with children and families, this is often the area that has the most room for growth, and meets the most challenges.

That brings us to now. My research simulation this term will focus on how a children's museum/discovery center can best support social emotional development in children. The greatest insight I've gained so far is that there is little research on this specific topic. However, I'm not new to research, and have often had to dig deeply and get creative in order to answer a question. I'm excited to use this opportunity to support my professional goals. I'm open to insights from others, and am glad to support them in their journey's as well.