"Cindy" is a 34 month old girl who was born at 42 weeks gestation, weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces. The pregnancy was remarkable for maternal overdose of metoclopramide, exposure to fumes in factory w
orkplace, and physical abuse from "Cindy's" father. No significant complications with delivery were reported. Other than mild jaundice following delivery, no serious illnesses or injuries have occurred since birth.
orkplace, and physical abuse from "Cindy's" father. No significant complications with delivery were reported. Other than mild jaundice following delivery, no serious illnesses or injuries have occurred since birth. "Cindy" was referred to Early Intervention for a Multidisciplinary Evaluation when she was 26 months of age due to pediatrician concerns with speech development. "Cindy's" mother also voiced concern regarding "Cindy's" behavior (hitting, biting, and head banging). Standardized test scores found significant delays in the areas of auditory comprehension, expressive communication, total language, cognitive development, personal-social skills, and adaptive skills. Differences in sensory processing were indicated using the Infant/Toddler Symptom Checklist, placing Cindy in an "at risk" range. Motor skills were found to be within an age appropriate range. Early Intervention services and an audiological evaluation were recommended.
Cindy was referred to a diagnositc team for further evaluation by her team of EI providers due to displayed autistic-like behaviors. She was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder when she was 32 months of age, failing 5 out of the 6 critical items and failing a total of 11 items on the M-Chat screening.
Cindy has made gradual to steady gains in development since the onset of therapy. Initially, she had difficulty attending to task, difficulty with changes in routine, demonstrated aggressive behavior toward herself and mother, jargoned and screamed, had a limited intake of foods, was sensitive to noise and tactile input, demonstrated fleeting eye contact, and demonstrated perseveration on favorite movie videos and songs. Cindy also demonstrated mildly decreased muscle tone, atypical and/or immature grasp patterns, and difficulties with bilateral integration. Current gains in the past month include and increase in eye contact, improved participation and compliance, and the emergence of word labeling.
