T. Schettler - Developmental Disabilities - Book Report/Review Example

Article Review Article Review The paper focuses on the review of the article written by T. Schettler regardingdevelopmental disabilities specifically the significance of environmental factors in the brain development and function. Article Review The article by T. Schettler focused on the role of environmental factors in the onset of different developmental disabilities. Based on the background information of the article, the importance of the topic is due to the increasing prevalence of related cases which include learning disabilities, ADHD, delays in development and problems related to emotional and behavioral aspects of development.

In depth studies are being undertaken due to the different contributing factors to the onset of such disabilities specifically the genetic factors, the environmental factors and the social factors. Due to the extensive number of variables needed to be considered there is also the problem of lack of baseline data that can be used for comparative analysis of studies undertaken. There are different factors covered in the study such as the causes of developmental disabilities, challenges in the research process, clinical study of toxic elements known to affect the neurodevelopment such as lead, mercury, manganese, polychlorinated biphenyls, flame retardants, pesticides, nicotine, and alcohol and other solvents.

Upon analysis of the article by Schettler, it can be considered that the study is more of a library based research since the data are presented on a textual manner. It can be considered qualitative in nature based on the same reason that the topics discussed are presented in paragraph form and there are no tabulated data. According to the determination of the source of the article, it had been known that it is a derivation from another article written by the author, thus, compared to the reference article, this one can be considered as an abridged or shorter form.

On a reader’s perspective, the article was able to present a general point regarding the importance of an in depth study on the factors affecting the different types of neurological disabilities but if one is interested in an in depth determination of the factors and their specific mechanisms, it is important to have a more quantitative presentation of the data. In relation to the fact that the article is based on another article, the data presented cannot be considered as first hand although it is written by the same author.

The fact that the data in this article is only based on the article which discussed the toxic threats in child development, there is a need for a more detailed presentation if it will be used for academic or peer research. With regards to the relevance of the research, the date presented can be considered important to descriptive studies and qualitative exploration of problems related to developmental disabilities. In addition, such research can be useful for undergraduate research and primary education.

It can be used as additional information or supporting reference but not a primary source for graduate research and other peer level study. Another advantage of such a study wherein the general population can have an undertanding of scientific data is that there is no limitation in the groups who can have access and understand the research. It can also be considered that one of the reasons for the publication of such a paper, is to be able to give the general public an access to neurodevelopmental data.

The data presented in the article can give an idea to different groups in the academe such as a special education teacher but if such information is neeeded to be applied for the assessment of students with special needs, an more extensive and quantitative study is also needed. In general I would recommend this article for reading but if there is a need for professional application of data, I would suggest the original article by the author. Personally, I feel that the article is lacking in terms or substantial information.

References Schettler, T. (2003). Developmental Disabilities – Impairment of Children’s Brain Development and Function: The Role of Environmental Factors. From Schettler T. Toxic threats to neurologic development of children. Environmental Health Perspective 2001 (6): 813-6.