Diagnostic Thoughts

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You are also required to include current, evidence-based research to support your analysis. A minimum of three (3) research articles taken from online or hard copy journals are required. All work must be cited in APA format.

Please keep your responses focused on what is presented in the vignette. Do not add information but use your creativity to support what you see in the vignette as written. Avoid elaborations and assumptions. This assignment MUST be typed, double-spaced, in APA style, and must be written at graduate-level English.

To complete the Vignette Analysis, please use the DSM-5 criteria

Assignment should be 7-8 pages total, plus a title and reference page

Adrienne and Alan, a young African American couple, were referred to you by their pediatrician in regard to Abel, their 3 year old son. The couple also has a 5 year old daughter, Angela. Adrienne and Alan are concerned that, “something is not right with our son”. Adrienne tells you that, ‘ever since he was born, I noticed something was off. I would look into his eyes and he looked like he didn’t see me. I was worried he was blind, but his doctors said there is nothing wrong with his vision. Abel does engage with Alan and I, but has never been interested in playing with his sister and still has that tendency to not want eye contact with anyone”. Alan tells you he often finds Abel rocking back and forth and that, “when I try to pick him up, he screams and pushes me away. Same thing happens when I move his toys around. He’s got this strange habit of arranging his toys in a perfect line. If I pick them up, there goes the screaming again.” The couple is also concerned that Abel is “following in his sister’s footsteps. Angela, is receiving help from the resource center because she also has tantrums, cannot sit still for more than 2 minutes or stay focused at home or mind the teacher. Angela is also reported to have tics which include eye blinking and other eye movements, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging, and head or shoulder jerking. She loves to watch television and play computer games, but has trouble with math and reading skills. Angela has quite a temper and will throw things when she doesn’t get her way.” During your psychosocial history of the family, you learn that Adrienne is a recovering addict of 3 years. She admits to using amphetamines during her pregnancy with Angela, but denies so with Abel.

1. What are some initial diagnostic thoughts for Abel and Angela? Discuss how you would formulate a differential diagnosis assessment for both Abel and Angela? Given the information you have in the vignette, what further information might you need and why? What methods (instruments) could you use to collect this information? What are any strengths and weaknesses of your method/instruments? Consider age, gender, culture, socioeconomic status, genetics and familial influences.
2. Given the vignette information and your diagnostic thoughts in question 1, create an intervention plan for Abel and Angela. What treatment considerations would you incorporate in your treatment plan? Other questions to consider in your response are: Would you work with each child individually? Would you include the parents? What are the pros and cons of family therapy in this case? With whom and how would you collaborate with the school for continuity of care? What suggestions could you offer with regard to behavior management at home and at school?