According to the case study, an eight-year-old boy named Aiden has been brought to therapy by his father, who is currently going through a divorce. Aiden demonstrates signs of difficult transitions, defiance, and difficulty engaging in conversations with others. Even though he has a strong bond with his mother, he does not get to see her on a regular basis because she is emotionally unstable. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s (2013) DSM-5, Aiden would be assessed to determine diagnosis and his strengths.
DSM-5 Diagnosis and Rationale
According to the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 (2013), Aiden shows classic signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (299.00). The DSM-5 clearly states criteria required for the diagnosis …show more content…
Social/emotional reciprocity focuses on the inability to engage in conversations with others to share thoughts and feelings (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In regards to social/emotional reciprocity, Aiden exhibits this criterion by difficulty engaging in conversations with peers. Aiden has a problem with mutual conversation, which includes taking control in the conversation and not participating when the topic does not interest him. This problematic area should be addressed in therapy and in his IEP at school. The next criteria that must be met for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is nonverbal communication in social situations, which focuses on eye contact, body language, gestures, facial expressions, etc. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Aiden displays this criterion by not having normal wide range of affect. The last criteria for deficits is in relationships. Creating, maintaining, and understanding how relationships are developed causes an upheaval for individuals on the Autism Spectrum (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In the case of Aiden, he has difficulty in engaging in play that does not include things he is interested in. With all these criteria met, …show more content…
In regards to the criteria needed to be met for restricted and repetitive behaviors, Aiden exhibits the first criteria: repetitive movements or speech. Aiden demonstrates this by humming or singing repetitive musical jingles when he is playing. In addition, Aiden exhibits the second category: inability to adjust to changes in routine and transitions. Aiden demonstrates this by throwing tantrums and needed physical help to transition in class. Often this disruption in routine causes a 10 to15 minute meltdown. Aiden also demonstrates the third category of abnormal fixated interests. Aiden spends great lengths in activities that involve problem solving and figuring things out. The severity of Aiden’s repetitive and restrictive behaviors is a level 3: requiring very substantial support (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
In addition to the first and second criteria that need to be met, criteria C, D, and E, must also be exhibited in order for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The third criteria (C) must show evidence that the disorder was present in early development. The fourth criteria (D) must show impairment is clinically significant in areas of social, occupational, and educational. The final criteria (E) states that the
DSM-5 Diagnosis and Rationale
According to the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 (2013), Aiden shows classic signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (299.00). The DSM-5 clearly states criteria required for the diagnosis …show more content…
Social/emotional reciprocity focuses on the inability to engage in conversations with others to share thoughts and feelings (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In regards to social/emotional reciprocity, Aiden exhibits this criterion by difficulty engaging in conversations with peers. Aiden has a problem with mutual conversation, which includes taking control in the conversation and not participating when the topic does not interest him. This problematic area should be addressed in therapy and in his IEP at school. The next criteria that must be met for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is nonverbal communication in social situations, which focuses on eye contact, body language, gestures, facial expressions, etc. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Aiden displays this criterion by not having normal wide range of affect. The last criteria for deficits is in relationships. Creating, maintaining, and understanding how relationships are developed causes an upheaval for individuals on the Autism Spectrum (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In the case of Aiden, he has difficulty in engaging in play that does not include things he is interested in. With all these criteria met, …show more content…
In regards to the criteria needed to be met for restricted and repetitive behaviors, Aiden exhibits the first criteria: repetitive movements or speech. Aiden demonstrates this by humming or singing repetitive musical jingles when he is playing. In addition, Aiden exhibits the second category: inability to adjust to changes in routine and transitions. Aiden demonstrates this by throwing tantrums and needed physical help to transition in class. Often this disruption in routine causes a 10 to15 minute meltdown. Aiden also demonstrates the third category of abnormal fixated interests. Aiden spends great lengths in activities that involve problem solving and figuring things out. The severity of Aiden’s repetitive and restrictive behaviors is a level 3: requiring very substantial support (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
In addition to the first and second criteria that need to be met, criteria C, D, and E, must also be exhibited in order for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The third criteria (C) must show evidence that the disorder was present in early development. The fourth criteria (D) must show impairment is clinically significant in areas of social, occupational, and educational. The final criteria (E) states that the