Case Study: Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment Pathways in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this assignment is to draft and submit a complete, organized, detailed research paper in APA Style with sources cited and referenced accurately. You are expected to present a complete research paper that meets all of the original assignment criteria.

Signature Assignment

Your signature assignment for this course should be to submit a 4- to 6-page paper

After reviewing the case study details below, address the following:

• Identify and explain the key neuroscientific, cognitive, and socioemotional factors contributing to Sarah’s challenges. 
• Evaluate the implications of Sarah’s neurodevelopmental disorder for her academic performance, social interactions, and emotional well-being. 

Your paper or video should incorporate at least three scholarly sources, including your textbook. Your paper must be in APA Style and include in-text citations and a reference list.  You must submit a reference list for the video as well.

Video help: Getting Started with Panopto

Case study media link

Additional Case Study Details

Neuroscience: Sarah’s difficulties in language acquisition, social communication, and attention, alongside abnormalities in brain development, particularly in areas associated with language processing, attention, and emotional regulation, suggest underlying neurobiological factors. The decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex points to deficits in executive functioning and cognitive control. These findings highlight the intricate interplay between brain regions and their impact on cognitive and behavioral functioning.

Consciousness and Cognitive Functioning: Sarah’s level of consciousness appears intact, but her cognitive abilities are significantly affected. Her awareness may be compromised in social contexts due to difficulties in social communication. Attentional deficits and executive dysfunction likely contribute to her challenges in maintaining focus and expressing thoughts verbally. These factors collectively influence her level of consciousness and cognitive processing.

Thinking and Learning: Sarah’s cognitive processes are impaired, particularly in abstract thinking, problem-solving, and academic performance. These challenges align with the characteristics of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), impacting her ability to navigate academic tasks and everyday problem-solving situations effectively.

Development and Memory: Sarah’s developmental milestones are delayed, evident in her struggles with language acquisition and social communication skills since early childhood. Her memory processes may also be affected, with weaknesses in encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. However, she may possess strengths in certain mnemonic abilities, which could be explored further to support her learning and development.

Psychological Disorders: Based on Sarah’s presentation and assessments, she meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This diagnosis encompasses her difficulties in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. The impact of ASD on Sarah’s psychological well-being underscores the importance of early intervention and comprehensive support to address her complex needs effectively.

Motivation and Emotion: Sarah’s motivation levels appear low, possibly influenced by her difficulties in social interaction and academic performance. Additionally, her challenges with emotional regulation contribute to her withdrawn behavior and overall adjustment. Understanding these factors is crucial in developing tailored interventions to enhance her motivation and emotional well-being.

Attached are the Case Study requirements, Rubric, and the Annotated Bibliography that I already completed.

 (Video link to the Case Study of Sarah)

https://westcoastuniversity.h5p.com/content/1292236092251886428#h5pbookid=1292236092251886428&chapter=h5p-interactive-book-chapter-f86e866b-a8a2-4b99-a53a-a1f87c83760c§ion=0