Case Study: Dr. Shaun Murphy

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Presenting problem/Description of Client: Dr. Shaun Murphy is a 25-year-old, Caucasian male. Dr. Murphy has Autism and Savant syndrome. He believes his condition has a positive affect on him because he is able to think and understand in a way that his colleagues cannot. Having this form of disorder and syndrome allows him to have an “almost perfect recall.” By that, I mean he is able to visualize certain images without actually having to look at them on the spot and make highly accurate diagnosis. He does not like being questioned and he is very blunt when it comes to telling his coworkers and peers about their wrongdoings and mistakes.
Treatment History/Medications: When he was six years old, he started doing Sensory Integration Therapy. …show more content…

Dr. Shaun Murphy is very open about having autism. He often discusses with some of the clients how autism helps him to be a good surgical resident, as well as some of the struggles that he has faced. Many people who go into the emergency room is often faced with fear due to their injuries or life traumatic events, however, he manages to help clients to feel comfortable and special by the time they leave. From my perspective, autism is affect Dr. Murphy in more of a positive way than a negative way. Although he may have more good days, he is still faced with some days where he is extremely down. When he feels he is in a difficult situation, he misses work because he does not know how to handle the situation. Dr. Murphy is wanting help to manage how he reacts to those bad days or being in difficult …show more content…

Murphy has a less severe form of autism. By that I mean, he is able to live independently and do most things on his own. Although he is able live independently and function very well, he still needs a little help at times. Many of Dr. Murphy’s colleagues believe that he can come off as a little blunt or too forward at times. For example, when he has a patient with a “surgery or death situation” and the patient chooses not to have surgery, he becomes upset with the client and tells them they will die without explaining it in a more sympathetic manner. When something is not done in the way he expects, he must play with his toy scalpel to keep from exploding or walking out on his job. He understands that he may need some form of therapy or medication to help him have a better reaction and to allow him to better cope with situations that are not pleasing to him. He experiences repetitive motor movements, hyperactivity, often becomes fixated on certain objects, and insist on the same routines every day. These are all signs to prove that Dr. Murphy has Level 1

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