Case study Intellectual Disability.

This is the book: Weis, R. (2020). Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology, (4th ed.). Los Angeles: Sage.
Steel, D. (1998). His bright light: The story of Nick Traina. New York: Dell.

Journal on Chapter 5: Read the case study below, it’s in Chapter 5. Please reflect on the condition known as Prader-Willi Syndrome. What things did you learn for the first time about this condition? What was your reaction to the story in this case study? What other interventions could you use (as a psychologist) to address oppositional behavior and food-compulsions? What do society’s values surrounding food have to do with our culture’s idea of treatment for food-obsessions? Other thoughts & reflections?

This is meant to be completely original, so no references or bibliography is required. No quotes are necessary, no title page, & no abstract needed. Just journal you original & creative reflections on the topic of this journal .

Case Study: Intellectual Disability (Prader-Willi Syndrome)

Obsessed With Food

Dontrell was a 6-year-old boy referred to our clinic by his pediatrician because of significant delays in language and self-care skills. Dontrell recently entered the public school system after his maternal grandmother assumed caregiving responsibilities for him. His mother, a migrant worker, returned to Mexico but wanted Dontrell to remain in the United States and attend school.

Dontrell was slow to reach many developmental milestones. Whereas most children learn to sit up by age 6 months and walk by their first birthday, Dontrell showed delays mastering each of these developmental tasks. Most striking were Dontrell’s marked delays in language. He had limited vocabulary in English and Spanish, struggled to recite the alphabet or recognize letters, and had difficulty counting. He also had problems performing self-care tasks typical of children his age, such as dressing, bathing, and grooming. School officials attributed these developmental delays to a history of poor medical care and nutrition and impoverished learning experiences as a toddler and preschooler.

Dontrell also showed significant problems with his behavior. First, he was hyperactive and inattentive. Second, Dontrell showed serious problems with defiance and aggression. When he did not get his way, he would throw a tantrum. Third, Dontrell’s grandmother said that he had “an obsession for food.” Dontrell apparently had an insatiable appetite and was even caught hoarding food under his bed and stealing food from relatives. Indeed, Dontrell weighed nearly 85 pounds!

Dr. Valencia, the psychologist who performed the evaluation, recognized that many of Dontrell’s behaviors were consistent with a genetic disorder called Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Although most children with this disorder are recognized in infancy or toddlerhood, Dontrell was likely overlooked because he did not receive regular medical care. She suggested genetic testing to confirm her diagnosis.

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