Problem:
Case Conceptualization
Joe is a 9-year-old, Black male who presented to intake with his father, mother, and younger sister. Joe currently attends Happy Elementary School, and is in a self-contained classroom, as he has been diagnosed with Autism, and struggles to maintain focus and behavior in school. The client's presentation during the intake was withdrawn as evidence by not making eye contact with therapist, not verbalizing responses to therapist, and sitting with arms folded in the chair looking face down for the duration of the session. Family reports client currently exhibits hyperactivity including disorganization, restlessness, ignores adults or others interacting with him, struggles with sleeping and sometimes even has aggressive outbursts towards his sister at least 1-2 times a week. Parents report that it is almost a "cycle" where Joe is doing okay and then he starts struggling with focus and sleep, then the aggression starts. These "episodes" last anywhere from 20-60 minutes, and nothing calms him down but "time" per parent report. Triggers to episodes are currently unknown, and family report they can happen both at school and at home. Academically, Joe is struggling as he withdraws from teachers and isolates himself with peers in the classroom, even when placed into the self-contained classroom. Parents report their extended family wish to help, but are afraid to watch Joe overnight due to his history of darting from their homes. Parents are interested in therapy for client to address the issues of hyperactivity, aggression, inability to follow rules in the home, and the development of coping skills. When therapist asked Joe if he knew why he was here, he just shrugged his shoulders. Client's diagnosis at intake is Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 2, rule/out: Need Assignment Help?