Questions+for+Case+Study

1. Based on the assessment information, describe Amy’s current level of functioning? Based on the assessment information Amy is able to function in a general education classroom. She does require some one on one assistance as well as specific direction on certain tasks. Amy is slightly below average in mathematics and writing. Paying attention can be difficult for her. However, she demonstrates age appropriate behaviors at most times while in the classroom. It is also important to note that Amy also finds her classroom experience unsatisfactory overall.

2. Based on all the assessment information, does Amy have a learning or behavior disability? If so, what evidence supports this conclusion? If not, why not? Based on the assessment information, I believe it is too early to diagnosis Amy with having a learning or behavior disability. The recommendations mentioned above might help determine if Amy’s current levels of functioning results from other influences besides the effects of her diabetes. Amy is still in need of extra support, but meanwhile further information is needed to understand exactly what is the cause of Amy’s learning, behavior, and emotional problems. Amy’s assessment results in the areas of academics, cognitive ability, and adaptive behavior show learning weaknesses in areas such as working memory, written expression, math calculation, attention, anxiety, and self-reported emotional and developmental difficulties. Amy’s inability to independently stabilize her blood glucose levels, dependency on parents, possible lack of motivation, and feelings of helplessness and anxiety contributes to her current levels of functioning. I would caution the label of a learning or behavior disability without knowing more information; however, I would not hesitate to provide a diagnosis of a learning or behavior disability to get Amy the appropriate supports she needs.

3. What other sources of information might be useful in evaluating Amy's behavioral needs? One source of information that might be useful in evaluating Amy's behavioral needs is information from her parents. It would be good to know what Amy does outside of the classroom including in the home. It would be useful to find out from her parents if they think that she is having behavior issues in the home. I would also like to know about some of Amy's medical history, especially if she has tried using an insulin pump to help her become more independent with her insulin levels. These additional sources of information would be helpful for determining what can be done to meet Amy's needs.