amanda - c assignment.docx - Chapter 8 Assignment By Helga...

Chapter 8 Assignment
By
Helga E Brannick
ED 326: Introduction to Exceptional Children
What changes have occurred in Amanda's behavior? What are some possible reasons for
these changes?
1

Amanda has a label of either mental retardation or cognitive disability. She appears to
have spent years enjoying school, bonding with friends, and engaged in extracurricular
activities. Lately, Amanda’s demeanor has changed enough to warrant a meeting to discuss
immediate and future concerns.
Amanda is not so eager to please others as she used to. She has moved onto to wanting
to please herself more. She is more concerned with boys, what her interests are and exhibiting
defiance by continuing some inappropriate behaviors.
Smith & Tyler (2010), discusses data-based practices; moreover self-determination.
Most people with intellectual disabilities have most decisions made for them. They have little
choices. They “are not permitted the time necessary to actually develop an understanding of
their own preferences, likes, and dislikes” (p 285). Amanda appears to have a lower level of self-
determination.
Her parents have been her advocates all her life. They are worried about how she will
basically survive when she is out of high school. She is a few years behind on her cognitive skills
and adaptive behavior skills; therefore, she struggles to know what particular skill might be
needed in particular situations.