“Sam”
Sam continues to have trouble making requests, answering questions, and participating in conversation.
Situation
Sam is a happy and energetic 3-year-old boy who enjoys playing with cars and going to the playground. After his pediatrician voiced concerns for possible speech/language delays at his 2-year well visit, Sam’s parents pursued early intervention services. While Sam has made many gains in speech therapy, he continues to have trouble making requests, answering questions, and participating in conversation. His parents have also observed him to become fixated on certain toys, to repeatedly wander in circles around their kitchen island, and to become extremely bothered by loud noises. Additionally, Sam prefers to play by himself, and he often times seems to be “in his own world” when he is around other children.
So what’s the problem?
Does Sam meet diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder? What is the most appropriate
intervention for him at this time?
Resolution
Sam and his parents participated in a comprehensive evaluation that included clinical interviews, administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), administration of additional measures assessing cognitive and language functioning, and completion of parent and informant rating scales. He ultimately met diagnostic criteria for both Autism Spectrum Disorder and Language Disorder.
Key Factors
- Speech/language delays
- Repetitive behaviors
- Underdeveloped social/play skills
- Sensory sensitivities
KSA helped John and his parents by
- Developing a list of recommendations that highlighted the most valuable intervention services for Sam at this time
- Providing Sam’s parents with a list of referrals for necessary intervention
- Discussing test results with Sam’s interventionists to create and modify appropriate treatment plans that built on his strengths and targeted areas of growth