The Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Autism

Running head: ASSESSMENT DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Autism

Cristi Esposito

Hunter College

The Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Autism

Conceptualization

In this present case, Sam Williams is a three year old child, it is reported by his parents that at the age of two, Sam did not acquired any language acquisition. He displayed poor receptive skills and was inconsistent in responding to one step directions (i.e., “come,” do you want a cookie?”). Sam was also reported to have poor expressive skills and although he is able to babble, which is a precursor to early language development, in the typical child development, the standard babbling is a major milestone which occurs between six and ten months of age and involves producing syllables made up of a consonant and a vowel (i.e., pa, ma) (Siegler, DeLoache, & Eisenberg, 2006).Sam is significantly delayed in producing words appropriate for his age (Siegler et al., 2006).

In addition, Sam’s parents also reported that Sam experienced motor developmental milestones delays (i.e., sitting up, crawling, and walking). According to Frankenberg, (1981) the major milestones of motor development in infancy is different for individuals; however, walking alone in typical developing children occurs between the ages 11 to 15 months. Another observation reported by Sam’s parents is his inability to regulate his emotions as well as his impulsivity. Sam was easily irritated and would throw a tantrum in which he would yell, scream and throw himself on the ground. At times his parents would become frustrated with his behavior (i.e., tantrums). Research has found that children who have difficult temperaments or are unmanageable are likely to evoke negative emotions from their parents (Siegler et al., 2006).

Furthermore, Sam’s parents also reported restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. By age three, Sam was displaying these...