Question

18 yo M is brought to the office by his mother, who is concerned about his behavior in school. Since age 6, the pt has had difficulty interacting with people.Most appropriate management?

Answer 1

A comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional is necessary to diagnose the 18-year-old male with suspected autism spectrum disorder, followed by interventions like behavioral therapy and social skills training.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns a 18-year-old male who has had difficulty interacting with people since the age of 6, and is now brought in by his mother due to concerning behavior in school. Given the symptoms suggestive of social interaction difficulties, it would be prudent to have the individual tested for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is characterized by challenges with social skills, such as difficulty reading social cues or making eye contact, and the individual's history starting from a young age fits within this context.

Proper management would include a comprehensive evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist skilled in diagnosing ASD, followed by potential interventions, such as behavioral therapy, social skills training, or other tailored therapeutic approaches. It's important that this evaluation and management are conducted as early as possible to offer the best chance for improvement and to provide the individual with strategies to navigate social interactions effectively.