Chapter 6: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Case Study
Mena is an 8-year-old girl. Her parents are concerned because she does not use any words to
communicate and does not respond to simple verbal instructions or questions. Mena does not use
gestures like waving, pointing, or nodding her head. She seems indifferent to social overtures
from others and does not seek out affection or cuddles from her parents. Mena spends most of
her time engaged in repetitive play, such as repeatedly opening and closing doors or flipping
through the pages of a book without looking at the pictures. She has an intense interest in
spinning objects and will fixate on ceiling fans or wheels on toys for extended periods.
Additionally, Mena has epilepsy and engages in self-injurious behaviors.
1) Identify Core Deficits in Developmental Profile based on DSM-5
DSM-5 ASD Criteria
Domain 1: Social communication and interaction
All required: Deficits in (1) social–emotional reciprocity; (2)nonverbal communication behaviors
used for social interaction; and (3) developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships
Domain 2: Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
2 Types Required: (1) Stereotyped/repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech; (2)
insistence on sameness; (3)fixated interest; (4) hyper or hypo reactivity to sensory input.
Severity Rating: Symptoms that interfere with the child’s functioning.
Requiring support (level 1); Requiring substantial support (level 2); and Requiring very
substantial support (level 3)
2) Determine the Needs/Goals of the Individual and Family
Example of Needs and Goals
Communication Needs and Goals:
Need: Difficulty expressing needs and wants verbally.
Goal: Increase communication skills through the use of AAC devices, sign language, or PECS
to enable the child to effectively communicate their needs and wants.
3) Determine Interventions/Treatments to Reach Needs/Goals of the Individual
Type of Treatment Description
Behavioral and Developmental Approaches
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Improves specific behaviors (social skills,
communication, learning) through
reinforcement strategies.
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Combines ABA principles with developmental
approaches for young children.
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) Increases a child's motivation to learn,
monitors behavior, and initiates
communication.
Educational and School-Based
Interventions
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Customized educational plans addressing
unique needs, including special education
services.
TEACCH Structured teaching focusing on visual
learning and adapting the environment to the
individual.
Communication Interventions
Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Improves verbal and nonverbal
communication skills.
Picture Exchange Communication System Uses pictures to teach communication skills,
(PECS) helping individuals express their needs.
Social Skills Training
Social Stories Uses short stories to help individuals
understand and navigate social situations.
Peer-Mediated Interventions Trains peers to interact and engage with
children with ASD to promote social skills.
Medical and Pharmacological Treatments
Medications Manages symptoms like anxiety, depression,
and hyperactivity behaviors.
Nutritional Supplements Dietary changes or supplements managed by
a healthcare professional.
Sensory-Based Therapies
Occupational Therapy (OT) Improves daily living skills and manages
sensory issues.
Sensory Integration Therapy Helps individuals manage sensitivities to
sensory input (sights, sounds, textures).
Psychological and Counseling Services
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Manages anxiety, depression, and other
emotional challenges by changing negative
thought patterns.
Family Therapy Supports families in understanding and
managing ASD, improving communication
and coping strategies.
Parent-Mediated Interventions
Parent Training Programs Educate parents on supporting and reinforcing
their child's development and learning at
home.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Focuses on improving the parent-child
relationship and changing interaction patterns.