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Autism Spectrum Disorders

Case Study

Current Status

Joey has made improvements and has done well with the support of his family, educators, and therapists. He attends kindergarten in a general education classroom and has an Individualized Education Program that provides him with school-based speech/language and occupational therapies. In the classroom, a paraprofessional assists him in directing his focus, shifting from activity to activity, and interacting appropriately and playing with other children. He does well with moving from activity to activity when he is given advanced notice and when visual schedules are used at home and at school.

Joey’s parents noted improvements with regard to his ability to participate and attend to tasks as well as decreased tantrum behaviors, which had been a frequent response to frustration or to sensory issues. They also noted improvements in his ability to request help, though he does not always do this when necessary. They continue to have concerns about his expressive language, listening comprehension, decreased socialization, and the effect of his sensory-seeking behaviors on his ability to participate and attend during tasks. Joey enjoys playing on the computer and the Nintendo Wii. If other children are given information about how best to approach Joey he is able to engage in some basic interaction with them.