Andrew is a 5 year old boy who was referred to the school psychologist by his teacher. According to Andrews teacher, Andrew is significantly behind the other kindergarten students in his verbal abilities. His teacher reports that when she tries to engage him in discussion, he makes no attempt to listen to her or to respond to her questions. She had looked into his hearing test results, but there was no indication of any auditory problems.
Andrews teacher reported that he has no friends in the class, despite the fact that other children have attempted to connect with him. When Andrew first comes in the classroom each morning, he remains at his cubby playing with the zipper on his jacket long after the other students have roamed to the other part to the classroom for play activities.
Andrew does seem interested during the time of day when the students take out musical instruments and are permitted to play them as they wish. Andrew always chooses cymbals, and bangs them together as loudly as possible and repeatedly during the duration of music.
During recess, Andrew does not play with the other students on the playground, but either lays by himself in the grass or hangs upside down from a tree branch.
Andrews parents do not seem concerned by his behavior, believing that he will grow out of it. His mother is pregnant and is expecting a child in three months.
Andrew has had ear infections as a child, and his parents report no other medical problems.
1. Based on your understanding of abnormal psychology, propose a DSM diagnosis for Andrew.
2. Provide three pieces of clinical information to support your diagnosis.
3. What is the concern regarding Andrews mothers pregnancy? Why?
do not need to use or cite sources
