Discuss what factors should be considered when diagnosing autism

Discuss what factors should be considered when diagnosing autism

It has been thought that children do not suffer from mental and emotional disorders. However, studies have indicated that children do suffer from illnesses such as learning, conduct, and substance abuse disorders.Conditions such as autism, depression, and suicide are common in our youth population.

Analyze the case study listed below.  Discuss what factors should be considered when diagnosing this case as required by each axis of the DSM-IV-TR. What is your treatment recommendation for the case? What medication is typically used to treat this diagnosis? Brian’s parents would like to use natural remedies first before medication. Provide two recommendations to them that meet these criteria.

Case Study: Brian Smith
Brian, age nine, was brought to the clinic after his classroom teacher suggested that he may need medication to help him focus and stop disrupting class.  She had tried all that she could, but nothing was successful.  His parents were leery of trying medication and wanted to try natural remedies first before giving him any psychiatric drugs. Brian has been receiving occupational therapy, which has helped him focus during class. Brian admitted his mind would wander off when the teacher was writing on the blackboard; and therefore, he occupied his time with pretend play. Noises his classmates made disturbed his concentration; he would get upset at them and argue.  His mother also reported that, though Brian was a very affectionate child, he had always found it difficult to socialize with his peer group and would resort to aggression out of frustration.