Reference no: EM133669625

Question

Fifteen-year-old Derek Ferguson has severe autism. Cognitively, he functions on the level of a five-year-old. While he is often fairly placid and content to engage in stimming, Derek also has a long history of self-injurious behavior. In the past, his injuries were relatively minor. Recently, however, Derek's injuries have required medical attention.

Kelley Ferguson is Derek's mother. She is a single parent with three younger children, ages 2, 6, and 9. Kelley works at two jobs, one full-time and one part-time job, and relies on her elderly aunt, Sandra Coleman, for childcare. Ms. Coleman has become increasingly fearful of Derek, and therefore, she and Ms. Ferguson have approached the Autism Training Center (ATC) for assistance. A thorough assessment of the situation has been made, including interviews with family members and formal testing, as well as observation of Derek. Per ATC protocol, the treatment team is now meeting with the family to consider how best to proceed.

You are Randall Hernandez, LPC, Derek's case manager. Based on interviews, you know that the family is severely stressed. Because she has missed so much work due to Ms. Coleman's fear of Derek, Ms. Ferguson may lose her primary job, which would be financially devastating and likely to result in homelessness. As the case manager, you have two choices:

Choice 1: Given the severity of Derek's behavior and the fact that he is sometimes a danger to himself and others, you recommend immediate hospitalization.

Choice 2: While Derek's behavior is sometimes dangerous, he is often quite placid. You recommend a specially-trained in-home aide to assist Ms. Ferguson and Ms. Coleman in caring for Derek and suggest the addition of a respite provider once a week.

Now, develop a main response in which you address the following:

- Discuss the possible consequences of each choice.

- Identify which choice you believe would be best for Derek and his family.

- Explain why you believe this course of action is the best.