JACK’S CASE STUDY
Information
Name: Jack
Date of Birth: January 5, 2016 Age: 4
Diagnosed with Autism at 2 years, 7 months
About the child:
Jack is a happy, affectionate, and loving little boy. He’ll sometimes ask you for a hug when he needs or wants one. He’ll say, “Hug.” Sometimes, he’ll hug the children in his room at the daycare. At family gatherings, he wants everyone together in the same room. He pretty much plays by himself. His family tries to bring him into games, and he’ll play for a little while, but he then wanders off. He likes being outside playing on the swings, slide, and other equipment, and he likes shooting hoops, skating, and swimming. He likes Minecraft and cruise ships.
He runs to greet his grandmother when she comes to visit. At times, he’ll hang back and his look of excitement changes to a look of sadness when his sister gets first hugs and kisses from their grandmother. The family isn’t sure if he feels left out, or if he is giving his sister time with their grandparent. If he’s first in line he gets first kisses, and then he does his happy dance into the living room.
He will make eye contact, and when he doesn’t make eye contact, it seems that he is in another world. Don’t be fooled into thinking that he doesn’t know what is going on around him. According to his family, he hears everything that is being said to him. He loves having his picture taken, and he loves taking pictures. He can be a tease in a very playful way. He tends to be afraid of animals, whining when they come too close. His family has two cats and a dog, and Jack is becoming accustomed to them. His parents want him to experience what every child experiences, and he does. He receives no special treatment because he is on the Spectrum.
Note: Jack is a flight risk.
BEHAVIOURAL HISTORY CURRENT BEHAVIOUR
Coos, babbles, first words – typical, then regressed
8 – 9 months
Becomes obsessed with spinning stacking rings, light switches
Is obsessed with movie or television credits. Will print everything out in neat, clear writing and will draw the logo
Is obsessed with cruise ships
15 months
Starts walking
2 years
Walks on tippy toes most of the time Walks on tippy toes most of the time
Picks up anything from floor and puts in mouth
Becomes obsessed with objects – light switches, spinning 3–4 stacking rings at a time
When upset, frustrated, or angry – bites, pinches
Nonverbal except for a few words like “hugs,” “ohe” pronounced “awe hee” for Mommy, Daddy, which is quite clear, and “grahe” pronounced “graw hee” for “grammy”
Jumps up and down, squeals, and slaps legs when happy and excited
Picks up anything from floor and puts in mouth
Bites self, screeches, bites, pinches, and pushes others when frustrated and angry
2 years, 10 months
Begins half days at centre for Autism Continues half days at centre for Autism
3 years
Weighted blanket
Does not sleep through the night. Will get up, jump up and down, and squeal.
(Middle of night – got past baby gate, unlocked front door, left apartment, tried to open other apartment doors, neighbours called police.)
Obsessed with doors, locks, opens and closes them, stares at them from one angle, then another.
He has an app on his IPad for emotions.
Weighted blanket. Wears weighted jean vest at autism centre.
Will play in the middle of the night. Will sometimes squeal.
Parents extra vigilant about locks.
Obsessed with Toy Story and Buzz Lightyear. Happy Dance.
Obsessed with movie and television credits. Will do happy dance when sees them. Prints “universal,” “Walt Disney” and other credits. Quite meticulous with printing
Does not like to wear shorts, hates buying new sneakers – change problematic
Now wears shorts. Will not wear mittens.
Change still problematic – Is good with flexibility in routines, but if plan cancelled or changed without warning, becomes angry – lashes out
Likes spaghetti and sauce, pizza, meat
especially ham, bananas, cheese
Is teaching himself to read
Accommodations used by Autism Centre
Chewy tool used when picking dirt, stones, lint, etc. and putting into mouth
Weighted vest
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Applied Behaviour Analysis strategies (positive reinforcers and rewards)
Needs several warnings prior to change in routine
A Trip to the Zoo
TASK
Think about Jack’s Case Study. Think of Jack’s interests, his fears, his abilities. Think about his likes and dislikes.
What is your main priority where Jack is concerned?
2a. What behaviours might you expect from Jack on this trip? Why?
2b. What will you do in the case of such occurrences?
What will you take with you to support Jack in his trip to the zoo? List four. Why will you take these with you?
