The Kazilieris family comes to see you with their two children, Craig, an 11-year-old boy, and Abigail, an 8-year-old girl. Both children have special needs.
Craig has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder with severe symptoms. He has an obsessive attachment to his iPad, which he has with him all the time. He displays marked hand flapping, which exacerbates when he is stressed. His speech is limited and he uses repetitive language. Today, he constantly says, “Happy birthday.” His parents and teachers report that he has poor social skills, shows no interest in others, and has a very limited social network.
Abigail has been diagnosed as mildly intellectually disabled (MID); she is two levels behind her peers. She struggles with identifying social cues, which often portrays her as seemingly immature to her peers. Abigail is biracial and was adopted four years ago.
Answer the following questions from your perspective as their psychiatric nurse practitioner.
- Identify a potential psychotherapeutic intervention for Craig and for Abigail.
- What, if any, psychotropic medications might be indicated for Craig and for Abigail? Identify what medication(s) you would prescribe including dosing recommendations. If you would not prescribe any medication, provide your rationale.
- How you would support the Kazilieris family?
- Identify some resources that are available in your community. If available online, include the links.
