Diagnosis and Treatment Plan for Michael's Condition Essay

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan for Michael's Condition:

Michael is a 7-year-old child, who was referred by the Pediatrician for an analysis following his 2-year-old exam. In the beginning of Michael's development, his mother stated that she has seen similar delays to the doctor's observations and has similar concerns. One of the major concerns is that Michael will not respond to his name when called even if he is only a foot or less away and does not even turn his head towards the voice. Secondly, he has difficulties in following simple instructions, especially one step directions like come here, sit down, or pick up. In addition to failing to use words to say or request what he wants, Michael only repeats a word that is modeled every once in a while. Third, when playing around other children in the two groups, he does not even notice the other children, plays by himself, and does not really play. The other concerns in Michael's situation include difficulties in playing with toys, seem unable to make eye contact or imitate his mother, and tend to be more attached to some items that he is to his parents and other familiar people. As a result, Michael seems to be in his own world and does not want others to be in it with him. Therefore, he is probably suffering from a condition that needs proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Diagnosis of Michael's Condition:

Based on the concerns raised by his mother and the doctor, Michael seems to be suffering from autism. Generally, children with autism have problems or difficulties in three major areas i.e. language, behavior, and social interaction ("Autism -- Symptoms," n.d.). However, since the symptoms and severity of the condition differ significantly, children with similar diagnosis may act quite differently and have strikingly different skills. In most instances, children with severe autism not only have marked impairments but also demonstrate a complete inability to interact or communicate with other people.

The symptoms of this condition are usually identified by parents and other caregivers with the child's first three years. However, signs associated with autism are difficult to notice and diagnose during infancy though the condition is present at birth (congenital). Some of the early signs of this condition in babies and toddlers include failure to make eye contact, smile when smiled at, respond to his/her name or sound of a familiar voice, use gestures to communicate, and play with other individuals or share interest and enjoyment (Smith, Segal & Hutman, 2013). Michael seems to be suffering from Autism because he has displayed all these difficulties language, social skills, and behavior. Under social skills, Michael fails to respond to his/her name, has poor eye contact, seems to prefer playing alone, and seems to be…