Diagnosis and Trement Plan of Michael´s Condition

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Diagnosis and Treatment Plan for Michael’s Condition:
Michael is a 7-year old child, who was referred by the Pediatrician for an analysis following his 2 year old exam. In the beginning of Michael’s development, his mother stated that she has seen similar delays to the doctor’s observations and has similar concerns. One of the major concerns is that Michael will not respond to his name when called even if he is only a foot or less away and does not even turn his head towards the voice. Secondly, he has difficulties in following simple instructions, especially one step directions like come here, sit down, or pick up. In addition to failing to use words to say or request what he wants, Michael only repeats a word that is modeled every once in a while. Third, when playing around other children in the two groups, he does not even notice the other children, plays by himself, and does not really play. The other concerns in Michael’s situation include difficulties in playing with toys, seem unable to make eye contact or imitate his mother, and tend to be more attached to some items that he is to his parents and other familiar people. As a result, Michael seems to be in his own world and does not want others to be in it with him. Therefore, he is probably suffering from a condition that needs proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Diagnosis of Michael’s Condition:
Based on the concerns raised by his mother and the doctor, Michael seems to be suffering from autism. Generally, children with autism have problems or difficulties in three major areas i.e. language, behavior, and social interaction (“Autism – Symptoms”, n.d.). However, since the symptoms and severity of the condition differ significantly, children with simila...

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...asure is function-based treatment approach that involves getting rid of the problem behavior and substituting it with more suitable behaviors that serve the same purpose (Schrader, n.d.). In this case, Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behaviors (DRA) will be used to extinct problem behavior and reinforce alternative behavior.
In conclusion, Michael’s symptoms are signs of a child suffering from autism in terms of his language, social skills, and behavior. Michael has demonstrated all the symptoms associated with autism as identified by her mother and the pediatrician. Therefore, his condition requires a suitable treatment or intervention plan to address it appropriately. Since Michael’s condition is associated with some major behavioral problems, it requires a functional-based treatment approach i.e. Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behaviors.

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