Summary
Autism is a relatively common disease, on the subject of which many different studies have been conducted. However, this does not exclude the fact that many children have difficulty transitioning from high school to college. The criticality of this moment is felt for individuals without any health abnormalities; however, for patients with autism, this event can be highly influential. Thus, this case study will consider the case of an individual with autism transitioning from high school to college. In addition, interventions such as involving educators, parents, and the team and drawing up a personal schedule will be offered to help in this process.
Background of the Project
The focus of this case study is patient N, who is a graduate of high school X. She lives in a nuclear family with her mother and father, who are representatives of the middle-class socio-economic class. Her daughter’s illness caused some financial difficulties at the very beginning, but now the family can afford various services and treatments for her daughter without loss of fortune. The disability characteristics of the person will be related to developmental delays (Antonarakis et al., 2020). The case will be examined in the context of the school setting, underlying solutions that may involve special programs and support concerning the issue. I will be writing from the viewpoint of a counselor.
Method Relating to Case Study
The girl, who in this context is the study population, was diagnosed with autism at an early age. The first symptoms that were detected in her when she was a baby were not responding to her name, avoiding eye contact, not smiling in response, getting very upset at seemingly regular things and (Signs of autism in children, n.d.). Moreover, the girl did not talk as much and repeated the same phrases, which is also one of the hallmarks of autism (Powell et al., 2021). In the future, symptoms such as anxiety and stress about social situations began to manifest and interfere her daily life (Signs of autism in adults, n.d.). This was reflected in the appearance of delays in psychological development and speech abnormalities.
The research methods are of particular value for the study since the final results depend on them. Because I am acting as a counselor, I will adhere to qualitative methods, such as observation and interviews. Therefore, it will provide the opportunity to build a complete picture of the client’s problems (Hamilton et al., 2019; Leko et al., 2021). It is also worth noting that the collection of information also took place through the acquisition of some data from the girl’s medical records, which also provided valuable insight into the issue being studied.
During the sessions, conversations were held with N, who focused on providing an understanding of her attitude to school, her potential transition to school, and the difficulties she has. All information was carefully documented to remember the essential points. For example, the girl noted the positive environment at school and excitement about the transition to a new degree of study. For a more in-depth analysis, a conversation was also conducted with the girl’s parents, who talked about the difficulties they faced at the initial stages of education.
Therefore, several aspects have become the main sources of knowledge within the framework of this case study. The first of them were scientific research papers that touched on the topic of autism. Moreover, they have also become such online sources as the Center for Disease control and Prevention and the Autism Speaks website (What is autism? n.d.). Direct data about the patient was obtained with the help of medical records provided by the parents and information from the sessions and interviews conducted.
Solutions
For patients with autism, there are many opportunities for the most comfortable and smooth transition from high school to college. The need to find solutions is because, for example, is such similar issue as autism only “over one-third of young adults never get a job or continue education after high school” (Carl D. Perkins Career and technical education act, 2008, para. 5). One of them may be the provision of assistance and advice from teachers and parents (Garbacz et al., 2016). This is because socio-cultural context and environmental factors play a significant role in the process of adaptation and socialization of people with autism (Simeone-Russell, 2011). Palmer (2005) presents quite valuable suggestions to facilitate the process under discussion, which may include the creation of a personalized organizational schedule and early preparation. Furthermore, the value of communication with both teachers and other students is also emphasized.
Outcome and Rationale
By conducting this case study, I hoped to achieve a deeper understanding of the selected topic. In other words, my task was to gain an understanding of what autism is and how it affects the process of acquiring knowledge of individuals. In addition, my goal was to get more information about what solutions and assumptions can be offered to patient N. for a smoother transition from high school to college. This project can make a difference in the current and future condition of my client, as it will provide long-term strategies that can be applied in many other situations.
References
Carl D. Perkins Career and technical education act is reauthorized. (2018). Autism Speaks. Web.
Garbacz, S.A., Santiago, R.T. & McIntyre, L.L. (2016). Family involvement and parent-teacher relationships for students with autism spectrum disorders. School Psychology Quarterly, 31(4), 478-490. Web.
Hamilton, A. B., & Finley, E. P. (2019). Qualitative methods in implementation research: An introduction. Psychiatry Research, 280, 112516. Web.
Leko, M. M., Cook, B. G., & Cook, L. (2021). Qualitative methods in special education research. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 36(4), 278-286. Web.
Palmer, A. (2005). Strategies for surviving middle school with an included child with autism. Pathfinders for autism. Web.
Powell, P.S., Wiggins, L.D. & Pazol, K. (2021). Health status and health care use among adolescents identified with and without autism in early childhood. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 70, 605-611. Web.
Signs of autism in adults. (n.d.). NHS. Web.
Signs of autism in children. (n.d.). Center for disease control and prevention. Web.
Simeone-Russell, R. (2011). A practical approach to implementing theraplay for children with autism spectrum disorder. International Journal of Play Therapy, 20(4), 224-235. Web.
What is autism? (n.d.). Autism speaks. Web.