Diagnosis

James, 9 is brought into your office after his older sister, Beth, who is concerned that he is unable to talk to the other children in his grade. His mother always ignored his slow behaviors and figured “he’d grow out of it.” Beth reports that he struggles in school, understanding what’s going on in class and doesn’t connect to kids his own age. James agrees that he has few friends. His parents recently moved into an assisted living community and Beth is primary care taker for James.Questions for James and Beth: 1. When did she first notice these behaviors? 2. How do they impact his ability to perform in school and to connect with peers? 3. How long have these behaviors been observed? What diagnosis do you think you should examine? What diagnosis do his symptoms/behaviors reflect? What additional information do you need to provide a “provisional diagnosis?” 4. What does the information provided tell you? 5. What can you observe, infer through contact with client (or caregiver)? 6. What information is missing? a. What information do you need to form an assessment? b. What information is provided 7. What is your provisional diagnosis?