AUTISM CASE STUDY TEMPLATE
In the Learn section for this Module: Week, refer to the Watch: Autism Spectrum Disorder -
Subject Expert Analysis Series, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Moderate with Expert Analysis. Also, refer
to the Autism Case Study Assignment page under the Autism Case Study Resources for a link to the
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. In addition to both of these, use
your class textbook as needed, and the Bible to answer the questions. Type answers in blue directly onto
this sheet, and upload this completed document within the assigned Module: Week.
DSM Application: (8 points): List the DSM criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Next to each criterion,
detail the specific symptoms that match Daniel’s symptoms. The DSM application should be thoughtful,
thorough and detailed. If no symptoms match a particular criterion, write N/A next to that criterion.
The symptoms of Autism according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders are:
Having deficits in social-emotional reciprocity ranging from abnormal social approach and failure
to carry a conversation back and forth. Lack of sharing of same interests, emotions, or affects. Failure to
engage or respond in conversation. N/A
Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships with others. Difficult in
adjusting with behavior during a conversation. Difficult in making friends. Daniel lacked in social
awareness, he gets aggressive when he is angry and throws a tantrum.
Deficits in nonverbal communication behaviors within social interaction with poorly verbal and
nonverbal communication. No direct eye contact or body language. No facial expressions. Daniel would
not make eye contact, he avoided it, although he would give nonverbal responses such as a nod of the
head. Daniel also was very fidgety with his hands.
Restricted, repetitive patterns within behavior, interests, and activities. Repetitive motor
movements, use of objects, speech, of flipping objects. Daniel was very fidgety with his hands the entire
interview. N/A.
Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routine, or a ritualized patterns verbal or
nonverbal. When the guy asked Daniel about his friend, he said he had one friend and his name is Justin.
Then he asked what does him and Justin do? He repeated his response, I have one friend and his name
is Justin. N/A.
Highly restricted, fixated interests that are not normal and intense or focus. Daniel had a very
strong interest in trains and he knew exactly the name and model of the train that he was holding.
Hyper or hyperactivity to sensory input or unusual interest aspects of the environment. N/A
Daniel had a moderate case of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Assessment Questions: (15 points): Answer the following assessment questions thoroughly.
Answer should demonstrate critical thinking, provide examples, and address each part of the
assessment question. Utilize information from the case study video and textbook as needed. 200 words
minimum is required.
What would you consider to be the clinical skills or attributes most essential to successful
therapy for this patient? What would be your therapeutic goals for this patient? What further
information would you want to have to assist in structuring this patient’s treatment? Are there specific
assessment tools you would use? What would be the rationale for the use of these tools? What is your
conceptualization of this patient’s personality, behavior, affective state, and cognitions?
Throughout the interview you could tell Daniel was nervous/ uncomfortable by avoiding eye
contact, fidgeting with his hands the entire time, and by sometimes not even answering. Daniel although
be in the situation he was in within the interview did start to answer the man’s questions by starting off
with short answers. After some time, Daniel was then not just able to answer questions but also express
his emotions a with his thoughts. I believe Applied Behavior Analyses therapy would help within his
behavior and acting out. Especially the operant conditioning strategies because they will help him learn
how to express him tantrums in a positive way while in public to better help him. Just like the man said
the best way to seek with questioning Daniel would be close-ended questions at first so all he has to say
is yes or no, then once he is more comfortable then maybe try some open-ended. My therapeutic goal
for Daniel would be to try to help him with his socialization skills among his peers that way he can make
more friends. I feel as if he had more friends to communicate with it could help with his communication
skills and maybe make him a little more comfortable. I think at first, I would need to observe Daniel to
see what tools would need to be used appropriate. I feel as maybe if Daniel had a fidget toy it could also
help maybe in an interview or when he is uncomfortable. I would also want to watch to see why Justin
is his only friend and why Ryan could be acting out towards his or not knowing it is bothering him,
maybe get to the bottom of the situation. My conceptualization of Daniel’s personality is that he is well
aware of his surroundings and his emotions. Sometimes he lets his emotions get the best of him. That he
can be verbal but he can also provide nonverbal gestures. I do not think he likes for others to be in his
personal space and that’s ok because a lot of people don’t.
Bible Application Question: (5 points): Discuss this case and disorder from a Biblical perspective
using at least 1 Scripture reference cited in APA format (direct quotes from the Bible do not count
towards length requirement). 75 words minimum is required.
God created us and no two are alike. So, with that being said we are all different and we should
except and love one another the way we are. “All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great
shall be the peace of your children.” – Isaiah 54:13 (ESV). I get we all get mad, but there are other ways
than throwing a tantrum. God will teach us those ways if we listen to him. Pray to him whenever you are
feeling mad or angry in any situation, do not make that matter worse.
Use of correct spelling, grammar, and APA format: (12pts)
References:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Requiring Substantial Support with Expert Analysis.. (2018).
[Video/DVD] Santa Monica, CA: Symptom
Media.https://search.alexanderstreet.com/view/work/bibliographic_entity%7Cvideo_work
%7C3895730
The story: ESV bible. (2013). Crossway.
Paper Title in Bold at the Top of Page 2
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References
Last Name, A. B. (Year). Article Title. Journal Title, Pages #-#. URL.
Last Name, C. D. (Year). Book Title (Edition). Publisher Name. URL.
Last Name, D. E., Last Name, F. G., Last Name, H. I. (Year). Report Title (report number). Publisher. URL.
Last Name, J. K. (Year, Month Day). Article Title/Headline. Periodical. URL.
Organization Name. (Year, Month Day). Webpage Title. URL.
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