Prevention and Intervention Strategy in Timothys - Case Study Example

Psychology Case Study Assignment al Affiliation Case Study Timothy is a 12 year old boy. Timothy’s parents had indicated that their son tends to be overactive and at times pays little attention to whatever that he does. In addition to this Timothy is said to normally forget whatever he is told to do. Moreover he at times end up breaking things in the house especially glasses when he carries them. They have been concerned about their son’s accident frequencies and they therefore decided to bring him to the hospital to be helped. When Timothy and her parents entered the clinic offices, they all sat down but after a few minutes, Timothy was up from his seat roaming inside the room. It was also observed that he demonstrated frequent fidgetiness. In order to learn more about his condition, he was interviewed in the clinic and his behavior watched. During the interview, Timothy seemed to be unable to remain seated for long as the interviews went on. He seemed to be too concerned with what was taking place outside the window and kept shifting positions in the seat from time to time. In addition to that Timothy at times blunted out answers even before the questions that he was being asked was complemented. The parents had also indicated that their son was not performing well in his academics and this was also another concern that drove them to bringing the boy to be checked. Part 1: Description of the Condition In the end, it was concluded that Timothy was suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder Attentions deficit refers to a disorder which is majorly characterized by the adolescent having trouble in concentrating on the tasks that they are doing. In addition to that those who suffer from the condition may have difficulty in finishing the duties and responsibilities that they are given. In addition to that they tend to be prone to accidents since they cannot concentrate on the things they are doing. The condition may start mildly but may with time become uncontrollable (Frick, & Lahey, 2001). In the case that is being analyzed the condition had already started becoming uncontrollable since Timothy can longer concentrated on a single tasks or conversation for more than ten minutes. At times Timothy finds himself leaving the tasks he is dong before it is complete or even jumping into giving answers even before the question is finished. This is in addition to interrupting others during a conversation. In the Timothy case, the condition is already affecting three aspects of his day to day life. The condition is plaguing Timothy’s day to day existence since he is not able to concentrate in whatever he is doing. He is also accident prone and this is a trait that is already worrying his parents who fear that one day Timothy may be involved in a serious accident if the condition persists. The condition has also affected Timothy’s relationship with others. Timothy is not able to form a lasting relationship with his age mates or even classmates. The third aspect of his life that has been affected by the disorder is his studies. Due to his inability to concentrate in class, Timothy finds it hard grasping what they teacher is teaching in class. This has greatly interfered with his performance in Class. Due to the fact that the disorder has started interfering with several aspects of Timothy’s life, it may have very far reaching implications on his life if the disorder is not checked and corrected. His inability to form lasting relationship with others or be able to have friends may affect the way he lives. This may drive him into seclusion .The result of this is that Timothy may be involved in drugs as a replacement for the relationship that he may lack in future. This may be further compounded by his dismal performance in school which may drive him even into more seclusion and possibly make him harbor suicide thoughts in future if the condition is not checked. This therefore makes it imperative for the condition to be checked and corrected early. Part 2: Prevention, Intervention and Treatment Plan In order to mitigate and correct the condition that Timothy is suffering from, medication and behavior treatment can be used. In the medication treatment, the most common drugs that are used for the treatment are stimulants like amphetamine which stimulate the part of the brain which is inactive in the people who suffer from the condition (Frick, & Lahey, 2001). The behavior treatment or intervention is aimed a modifying the adolescent’s behavior. This can be done through giving him rewards for good behavior. The parents can have a daily report card that will link Timothy’s behavior efforts both at school at home. When Timothy performs and behaves well the parents should reward him. As part of the behavior treatment the teachers and the parents should be taught on the child’s condition and how to change his behavior for example through good behavior reward programs. Apart from the behavior intervention, environment modification will play a vital role in helping treat the condition (Frick, & Lahey, 2001). This involves changing the aspects of Timothy’s learning environment. The essence of the environment intervention is to address his learning problems and help him concentrate more in class. This may include sitting him near the teacher in class or allowing him to come in directly in class when he is from recess without making him wait. This requires the participation of the teacher who will help in monitoring the effects of the environmental modifications on Timothy’s behavior. The assessment of the effect of the environment changes on Timothy will help in knowing whether they are effectively helping in dealing with the disorder. The parents will also play an important role in the treatment of the disorder. Timothy’s parents should strive to accept the condition and instill as sense of competence in him. In addition to that they should try and strive very hard to promote Timothy’s strengths, talents as well as his feeling of self worth. This is because failure frustration, depression and low self esteem may cause even more problems than the disorder itself. Reference Frick, P. J., & Lahey, B. B. (2001). The nature and characteristics of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. School Psychology Review, 20, 163-173. Read More