Jemar Rope Chris G.

Pagarigan CS 702
MA in Counseling Discussion Paper #1

How would you provide help to families needing understanding of the following?
1. Bouchard ‘s Twin Studies
2. Klinefelter syndrome
3. Turner syndrome

 Bouchard ‘s Twin Studies

Basically, even identcal twins difer in many ways; in terms of ability, personality, interest, and
social attitudes.

In the Bouchard ‘s Twin Studies led by Thomas J. Bouchard, it turned out based on the
physiological and psychological assessment, that identcal twins who are reared apart had the
same chance of being similar as compared to twins being raised together. This proves that
genetc factors really have a large infuence on behavioral habits demonstratng the infuence of
the genetcs on development. In the nature vs. nurture debate, this said study helps to establish
how strong a connecton there is between certain traits and genetcs. Indeed, twins, who share
the same genes, but who have experienced a diferent environment, ofer a unique opportunity
to see how important heredity is in the expression of various traits.

For my part as a Guidance Counselor, the simplest yet the best way of helping these twins, their
families per se, is to embrace them for who they are and what they are capable of doing -
everything will follow. Standards and restrictons should not be imposed. Let them show their
innate abilites and hidden talents and help them cultvate these. Try not to alter their varied
learning styles; afer all, they learn best through their own styles - their comfort zones.
Moreover, high expectaton should not be inculcated to them as this may play a hindrance to
their development in many aspects. Make them feel that they are special in unique ways. Love
and acceptance must dominate in their hearts instead of rivalry.

 Klinefelter and Turner syndrome

Sincere understanding is extremely essental; one must have, to individuals who sufer from
Klinefelter and Turner syndrome. Understanding who they are, and not viewing them as lesser
ones in the school, home, and society as compared to normal persons, springs love, harmony
and most especially HOPE to them. By simply knowing their story and letting them to put across
what’s in their mind without forcing them is substantal.

Seeing the bright side of things, the threads of hope are not lost when it comes to the
treatment and interventons of the undesirable traits and characteristcs of those folks
diagnosed with Klinefelter and Turner syndrome. I believe, while it’s very important to put our
hearts to these individuals, it’s also equally essental to let them be treated by specialists.

Rightly so, as a Guidance Counselor, I would recommend and encourage the parents to have
their children be seen by a specialist and undergo a comprehensive evaluaton as soon as they
have been diagnosed. A multdisciplinary developmental evaluaton can determine the
appropriate treatments during infancy and early childhood. These treatments may include
physical therapy, infant simulaton programs, and speech therapy. If the language difcultes
are detected in childhood, then there is more of a possibility for interventon.

With all these, teachers should be informed of the difcultes that a Klinefelter and Turner’s
child may be dealing with in the classroom. As such, the teacher could make an adjustment to
the learning styles, temperament, and the like of these children.

To parents, it’s important to enlighten up their minds and make them realize that God has given
them special role to play. Afer all, home is the frst school of the child.