Read the case study below and determine if the behaviors appear consistent with a diagnosis of Autism based on what you’ve learned about Theory of Mind in your textbook (McCartney & Phillips: 10). Defend your answer with support from the textbook as well as other scholarly references. Then, present an idea for one area where you would target intervention (e.g., imitation, play, communication). Remember to integrate and connect your discussion with Biblical principles/scripture as well.
Casey is a 6 year, 8 month old male that has begun developing more advanced verbal language within the past year. Prior to this time, he would cry, scream, or make noises to get his needs and wants met. He had minimal gestures, except for waving goodbye and blowing kisses; he did not point to communicate. He would often take his mother’s hand over to an object to use it as a tool for obtaining what he wanted. Casey displays echolalia but does not display any imitation of behaviors or play. Casey demonstrates minimal to no pretend play. Casey really likes cars and trucks. He will often play with the wheels of the vehicles, spinning them around and repeatedly open and close the doors on them as well. He will sometimes push the cars around a track or line up his cars and trucks in a line. He also likes to spin a shiny red top at home, and he likes when his mom spins it for him repeatedly. Casey will sometimes repeatedly pace back and forth while making vocalizations. Casey lives with his mom at home, and she reported they have a good relationship. She stated that he often hugs and kisses his mom. She described her first concerns were when Casey was a baby due to his communication delays and poor eye contact. She stated Casey will now look her in the eyes when she’s talking to him but that his eye contact is not consistent or sustained. He does not display joint visual attention.
·
Read: McCartney & Phillips: Chapter 8
·
Read: McCartney & Phillips: Chapter 9
·
Read: McCartney & Phillips: Chapter 10
·
Read: McCartney & Phillips: Chapter 11
McCartney, K., & Phillips, D. (Eds.). (2006). Blackwell Handbook of Early Childhood Development. Maden, MA: Blackwell.
* at least 400 words in response to the provided prompt. You must support your assertions in each thread with the Bible and citations from 2 different scholarly references in current APA format. 2 peer replies must be at least 200 words and incorporate at least 1 citation from 1 scholarly reference. Acceptable sources include the textbook and peer-reviewed journal articles.
