Reference no: EM133280665

Assignment:

Clinical Case Example

Brandon White is a 9-year old African American boy in the 3rd grade. He is described as being "full of life and energy" by his adoptive parents. Brandon enjoys playing sports and being outside riding his bike. His adoptive parents are the sister and brother- in-law of his biological mother, Jasmine, who died from breast cancer one year prior. After a brief stay with his biological father (Steven), it was deemed that Steven was unfit to care for Brandon. Jason and Shannon adopted Brandon about 6 months ago, but they have been heavily involved and connected with him since he was an infant.

Since his mother's death, Brandon's teachers have been more consistent in sending home reports about his misconduct, aggressive behaviors, inability to focus, and his increasing quarrels with other students. His adoptive parents believe he is just "being a boy" and that his teachers is over exaggerating. They claim that at home Brandon acts like a typical "boy" and gets along well with his three older female cousins/siblings. His teacher reports that she has noticed a decline in his attention span and that Brandon has begun to isolate himself from the students who were previously his friends. Aside from that, the teacher adds that his reading and language arts grades have dropped an entire letter grade and she would like to refer him for early intervention.

According to the principal of the elementary school, who met Brandon when he began kindergarten at Lane Elementary, Brandon has struggled with language arts since the 1st grade. Brandon often refuses to read in front of the class and struggles with spelling tests. From Brandon's perspective, he insists that other students don't get his jokes, makes fun of the way he dresses, and say that he talks too much.

He stated that he is sometimes bullied and is simply defending himself when he responds aggressively. He acknowledges that reading and spelling are very difficult and have always been since he was in preschool. His adoptive parents have decided to seek therapy for Brandon under the recommendation of the school and present with the concerns mentioned above.

1. In terms of assessment, what are some important observations and information that can be gathered about Brandon? Identify some areas of strength and possible areas that may need intervention.

2. Do peer relationships have an impact in Brandon's case? If so, explain why and use key concepts from the textbook. What sociometric category would you place Brandon in? Explain why.

3. How have gender stereotypes and gender identity played a role in the case of Brandon? How might this case be interpreted differently if the child was female?

4. What role does racial or ethnic identity play in this case? Would it matter to know the primary racial/ethnic identity of the students at school? teachers? adoptive parents? Why?

5. As the primary therapist for Brandon and his family, what information would you want to gather from his school/teachers? Why it is important to screen for learning disabilities and other school related challenges in middle childhood?