Question

Case 1:

Howard is 7 years old, and his mother is concerned about his challenging behavior in multiple settings (home, school). He is very noncompliant and has hit staff and pupils. Howard had early language delay but now uses some short sentences. His school reports indicate that he has moderately impaired intellectual ability with above average reading skills and a marked failure to develop any peer relationships. His parents report that his language is stereotyped and repetitive and that he repeats watching of videos and DVDs. He is very limited in terms initiating social communication and has a restricted pattern of interests, currently an over-focus on DVDs. He has stereotyped repetitive motor mannerisms and seeks to feel people’s clothes. When you first meet Howard, he immediately reaches out to feel your clothes.
How would you proceed?
a) Conduct a behavioral assessment
b) Recommend psychiatric intervention
c) Implement speech therapy
d) Encourage social activities and play

Answer 1

The student should proceed by conducting a behavioral assessment to evaluate Howard's challenging behavior and social difficulties, which may indicate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Step-by-step explanation:

A characteristic symptom of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is impaired social skills. Children with ASD may have difficulty making and maintaining eye contact, reading social cues, and feeling empathy for others. They may also engage in repetitive motor behaviors, such as rocking back and forth, and have a preoccupation with specific subjects or rituals. In Howard's case, he exhibits impaired social skills, repetitive motor behaviors, strict adherence to certain rituals, and a preoccupation with DVDs. These symptoms are consistent with ASD.

Given his symptoms, the appropriate course of action would be to conduct a behavioral assessment (option a) to further evaluate his challenging behavior and social difficulties. This assessment would help determine if Howard meets the criteria for an ASD diagnosis and identify areas where interventions can be implemented to support his development.