Space, Astronomy, Cosmology & Special Needs Children

[xXTheOneRavenXx]

My wife and I were discussing this topic after we discovered the other night that our 8 yr old son has shown a great interest in some of the videos I have about the discoveries, and research in the various fields of space exploration, astronomy, and cosmotology. The only thing with that is he has mild autism. We are curious to know what sort of programs are out there that would help him if this is a field that he might be later interested in. BTW, we live in Canada if that helps. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[BoJangles]

<p>Definitions of <strong>cosmetology</strong>:</p><ul class="std"><li>the practice of beautifying the face and hair and skin </li><li>Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty including hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, and electrology.</li><li>the science of cosmetics; the profession of a cosmetologist or beautician</li><li>cosmetologist - an expert in the use of cosmetics </li><li>cosmetologist - a person who advises people (normally women) on cosmetics and other beauty treatments; a beautician</li><li>Using cosmetics to restore a lifelike appearance to the deceased. Usually done when there will be visitation.</li></ul><p>You maybe looking for the word cosmology</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p align="center"><font color="#808080">-------------- </font></p><p align="center"><font size="1" color="#808080"><em>Let me start out with the standard disclaimer ... I am an idiot, I know almost nothing, I haven’t taken calculus, I don’t work for NASA, and I am one-quarter Bulgarian sheep dog.  With that out of the way, I have several stupid questions... </em></font></p><p align="center"><font size="1" color="#808080"><em>*** A few months blogging can save a few hours in research ***</em></font></p> </div>

 

[xXTheOneRavenXx]

<p>If you paid attention to how I spelled it, it means the study of the cosmos. But thanks for the attempt.I think you should check your own spelling btw of <strong>COSMOTOLOGY</strong>. Here is a link to help you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmos</p><p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Definitions of cosmetology:the practice of beautifying the face and hair and skin Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty including hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, and electrology.the science of cosmetics; the profession of a cosmetologist or beauticiancosmetologist - an expert in the use of cosmetics cosmetologist - a person who advises people (normally women) on cosmetics and other beauty treatments; a beauticianUsing cosmetics to restore a lifelike appearance to the deceased. Usually done when there will be visitation.You maybe looking for the word cosmology <br /> Posted by BoJangles</DIV></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[BoJangles]

*raises eyebrow* <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p align="center"><font color="#808080">-------------- </font></p><p align="center"><font size="1" color="#808080"><em>Let me start out with the standard disclaimer ... I am an idiot, I know almost nothing, I haven’t taken calculus, I don’t work for NASA, and I am one-quarter Bulgarian sheep dog.  With that out of the way, I have several stupid questions... </em></font></p><p align="center"><font size="1" color="#808080"><em>*** A few months blogging can save a few hours in research ***</em></font></p> </div>

 

[xXTheOneRavenXx]

<p>It seems you too are correct. While Cosmo is also used as a synonym of the word "Universe", and ology being "the study of". Cosmology is also used as reference as the study of the cosmos. Cosmotology wouldn't mean the same as Cosmetology in either sense. Dam online references, lol. I did mis-spell the word...though. I do apologize BoJangles. But could we get back to the topic? We'd just like to know if there are either some useful tools out there geared towards special needs children in helping them learn about (safe to say) space exploration & astronomy. As well, any programs he could be involved in if this is a later field he might be interested in.</p><p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>*raises eyebrow* <br /> Posted by BoJangles</DIV></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[CalliArcale]

<p>Actually, BoJangles is right -- you mean <strong>cosmology</strong>, the study of the cosmos (and particularly, how it came to be the way it is today).&nbsp; But grammar and spelling aside, I think it's AWESOME that your son is interested in cosmology!</p><p>High-functioning autistics can succeed very well in science.&nbsp; They tend to be very details-oriented and sticklers for process, which are both very good things when it comes to science.&nbsp; In fact, I sometimes suspect that the percentage of autism-spectrum folks is higher in science-related fields than in the general public.&nbsp; To prepare your son for a future in astronomy, he will need a good grounding in science in general, particularly physics, and also mathematics.&nbsp; Getting him interested in backyard stargazing would also be good -- heck, I think that's good for *anyone*.&nbsp; ;-)&nbsp; There's probably a group somewhere in your area that organizes star parties; I'm not sure where you find that out, but I bet somebody else here knows. </p><p>Your son may also benefit in another way from organized social activities, such as extracurricular science classes or star parties.&nbsp; Mildly autistic patients often need extra opportunities to practice social skills, and organized events provide that in a less chaotic setting than the playground. </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#666699"><em>"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff."</em>  -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>

 

[xXTheOneRavenXx]

<p>Yes, thanks CalliArcale. I was editing my last post.&nbsp; Yes, our son does love school. He took a while, and our re-locating to get him into the right program that helped with his autism and the support he needed. He is now beginning to do a lot better. Also, myself I built a 10" F5 telescope. I wasn't sure if he was ready to become involved with dear ol' dad, lol in my observations. I was quite surprised when he was quick to identify what were moon's, stars, the sun, and even exoplanets. It truely amazed me as this was the first time he watched one of my videos with me. Definately, if he continues his interest... we'll help him gain those courses as he progresses through school.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Actually, BoJangles is right -- you mean cosmology, the study of the cosmos (and particularly, how it came to be the way it is today).&nbsp; But grammar and spelling aside, I think it's AWESOME that your son is interested in cosmology!High-functioning autistics can succeed very well in science.&nbsp; They tend to be very details-oriented and sticklers for process, which are both very good things when it comes to science.&nbsp; In fact, I sometimes suspect that the percentage of autism-spectrum folks is higher in science-related fields than in the general public.&nbsp; To prepare your son for a future in astronomy, he will need a good grounding in science in general, particularly physics, and also mathematics.&nbsp; Getting him interested in backyard stargazing would also be good -- heck, I think that's good for *anyone*.&nbsp; ;-)&nbsp; There's probably a group somewhere in your area that organizes star parties; I'm not sure where you find that out, but I bet somebody else here knows. Your son may also benefit in another way from organized social activities, such as extracurricular science classes or star parties.&nbsp; Mildly autistic patients often need extra opportunities to practice social skills, and organized events provide that in a less chaotic setting than the playground. <br /> Posted by CalliArcale</DIV><br /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

<p>I have edited the title to reflect the true intention of this thread and avoid the off topic derailment </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[xXTheOneRavenXx]

<p>Thank you. </p><p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I have edited the title to reflect the true inmtention of this thread and avoid the off topic derailment <br /> Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV><br /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[origin]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Thank you. <br />Posted by xXTheOneRavenXx</DIV><br /><br />Perhaps we could move from the spelling lesson and someone could help him with the substance of his question.&nbsp; I do not have&nbsp;an answer...</p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[michaelmozina]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>My wife and I were discussing this topic after we discovered the other night that our 8 yr old son has shown a great interest in some of the videos I have about the discoveries, and research in the various fields of space exploration, astronomy, and cosmotology. The only thing with that is he has mild autism. We are curious to know what sort of programs are out there that would help him if this is a field that he might be later interested in. BTW, we live in Canada if that helps. <br /> Posted by xXTheOneRavenXx</DIV></p><p>http://dsc.discovery.com/space/ </p><p>The Discovery Channel has done a number of excellent videos on the topic of Astronomy.&nbsp; I'm not sure about what type of specific special needs programs might be available in your area, but if he is interested in space, there are many good videos out there on this topic. </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> It seems to be a natural consequence of our points of view to assume that the whole of space is filled with electrons and flying electric ions of all kinds. - Kristian Birkeland </div>

 

[michaelmozina]

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> It seems to be a natural consequence of our points of view to assume that the whole of space is filled with electrons and flying electric ions of all kinds. - Kristian Birkeland </div>

 

[3488]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'><font color="#ff0000">My wife and I were discussing this topic after we discovered the other night that our 8 yr old son has shown a great interest in some of the videos I have about the discoveries, and research in the various fields of space exploration, astronomy, and cosmotology. The only thing with that is he has mild autism. We are curious to know what sort of programs are out there that would help him if this is a field that he might be later interested in. BTW, we live in Canada if that helps. <br /> Posted by xXTheOneRavenXx</font></DIV></p><p><font size="2"><strong>Hi The One Raven.</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>I have bitter first hand experience of this very thing & it continues to cause me problems now, even though I'm nearly 40.</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>I have Very High Functioning Autism with a supposed IQ of 152, only six of us are known within my home country of the UK, with a population of just over 60 million (I think there are more, but they have not been as yet identified, none the less, there are not many of us).&nbsp;</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>it's very difficult to say what got me started in Astronomy & Space Exploration. I think, that I have always been very curious, in fact so much so it's an obsession.</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>When I was only 6 I figured out what caused the phases of the Moon, without even reading about it, by simply watching football on the TV back then, & noticing how the ball appeared to change phase dependent on it's position in relation to the Sun or a floodlight. I extended that logic to the Moon, noticed that it was a thin crescent close to the horizon just after sunset or before sunrise & how the Full Moon was always 'opposite' the Sun & it was correct.&nbsp;</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>By the time I was 10, I recognised the constellations & recognised the brightest stars by name, or at least those visible from the UK.&nbsp;</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>My mother got me some childrens Astronomy books & I quickly became bored with those as I found the 'grown up' ones far more interesting (my reading age was years ahead of my age, but I lacked rudimentary verbal abilities, so every one else thought I was thick as I could not communicate very well & I was clumsy, so could not write very well either).</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>I am too young to remember Apollo, though I was born only about four months prior to Apollo 11's historic lunar landing. I do just about remember Viking & as a young Autistc boy, that was fascinating stuff, the thought of two spacecraft landing on Mars, sending back images of alien landscapes & other material. <br /></strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>Really I came into my own in my teens, with my first letters to NASA sharing my boneheaded ideas, later met the Late Col James Irwin & Cdr Al Worden from Apollo 15, here in the UK, Jim Bell imaging manager for the MERs (fascinating meeting in London) more recently, lots of communication with Galileo mission managers Bill O Neil & Dr Eilene Theilig, continuing dialogue with Dr Ralph McNutt on the MESSENGER Mercury, succeeded in getting extra Io observations with New Horizons during the Jupiter encounter & partook in three campaigns to save from cancellation, New Horizons, Phoenix Mars Lander & DAWN.</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>Must mention I have met the famous British Astronomer, Sir Patrick Moore several times.&nbsp;</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>The first views of the Moon, Jupiter, etc through a telescope I will never forget.&nbsp;</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>The above is MY personal experience.&nbsp;</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>My personal advise & concern is that now with the interwebz, it is easy to get up to date information, the JPL site being a prime great example, but other's like YouTube, not only posting great videos but also a lot of woo woo nonsense like the secret Apollo 20 investigaingthe crashed alien spacecraft on the Moon, that could influence people who are vulnerable, like those with Autism, so the net, as well as being very valuable, could be a curse also to the vulnerable.&nbsp;</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>Problem is now my general health at times, hense my longish absence from these boards (just too tired & brain dead to post anything other than complete rubbish), but I am feeling a lot better again now & hope to be a regular poster again from now on. &nbsp;</strong></font></p><p><font size="2"><strong>Andrew Brown.</strong></font></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[robnissen]

<p><font size="2">"<strong> only six of us are known within my home country of the UK, with a population of just over 60 million."</strong></font></p><p><font size="3">Just as I thought Andrew, you really are one-in-a-million.<img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif" border="0" alt="Smile" title="Smile" />&nbsp; I always enjoy your posts and I look forward to many more as your health permits.&nbsp; </font></p><p><font size="3">I'm afraid I can't add to the topic here, other than to say what really sparked my interest in astronomy was the first time I saw Saturn.&nbsp; The rings were just unbelievable, I would strongly suggest showing Saturn's rings to any child, special needs or not.</font></p>

 

[xXTheOneRavenXx]

<p>Thank you for sharing that 3488 Our son is high0functioning with mild autism. However while we lived in Ontario he was sent to a school specifically for special needs children. His worker only had a background in the general spectrum of&nbsp;special needs. Since we have moved back to our home province of Nova Scotia, he started attending a normal school interacting with children with and without special needs (not to mention his sister goes to the same school), and also him having a worker (Teachers-Aid) that is qualified in the field of Autism has helped him come a long way. I just thought anyone would know of astronomy programs gear towards special needs children.</p><p>(Sorry if I'm not too talkative over the next couple days... feels like I 'm might have the flu coming on my wife has, and the kids just got over.)</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[xXTheOneRavenXx]

Ya, I was right guys. I had to leave work yesterday early. Feeling much better today though. lol, it was my wife's turn to pump me full of gravol, Ny-Qil, etc... She hates taking medicine, and when she's sick I always bug her to take it. lol, she loved the pay-back <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>