Outline For Autism Case Study

Support Plan Outline
Educational Advocacy
Anna has been diagnosed with autism or autism spectrum disorder, ASD, and there is no known cure. Scientists are not sure what causes autism, but they think environmental and biological factors are contributors. “Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, including deficits in social reciprocity, nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, and skills in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships” (American Psychiatric Association, APA, 2013). This diagnosis “requires the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities” (American Psychiatric
It helps children with autism in a wide range of challenges. It coordinates the mechanics of speech and the meaning and the social value of language. This therapy can be done one-on-one or in small groups (Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit. n.d.).
• Physical Therapy (PT)
Therapy should be delivered by a Certified Physical Therapist, PT. Physical therapy helps children who may have problems with movement that causes functional limitations. Some of these problems may be sitting, walking, running, and jumping. It may help those with poor muscle tone, balance, and coordination. There is an evaluation to determine the areas of need for each individual child (Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit, n. d.).
• Sensory Integration Therapy (SI)
This therapy is designed to identify disruptions in the way the child’s brain processes sensory input and helps these processes function more productively. Those trained in this therapy, OT or PT, will evaluate and then use researched programs to work on an individual plan for the child. This is to help the child with brain processes that occur between physical movement and sensory stimulation (Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit, n.
It is designed to help improve social skills, adaptability, and self-awareness. RDI uses the idea of wide view, a systematic approach (Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit. n.d.). Anna may benefit from this therapy in many problem areas throughout her life.
• Discrete Trail Training (DTT) or Lovaas Model
This therapy focuses on the (ABA based) Teacher-directed, DTT, that targets skills and behaviors based on a set curriculum. These skills are each broken down into small steps, and are eliminated as they are accomplished. These steps are practiced in different settings. When a goal is accomplished, the child is rewarded, using positive reinforcement (Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit. n.d.). DTT may help Anna to reach her goals by the little rewards she receives for the small steps she accomplishes along the way.
There are many different educational programs that can provide stimulating learning for Anna. It would be in Anna’s best interest for her parents and her educators to work together. They need to have a good communication system and relationship to help Anna reach her full