Topic
Scavenger Hunt: ASD Community Resources
Instructions
Imagine you are a clinical social worker in an outpatient counseling center in Boca Raton, FL. You have been assigned Rick as your client. Rick is a 14-year-old child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), level 1, requiring supports (see DSM-5), without accompanying intellectual impairment. You see him for outpatient psychotherapy and realize Rick has needs that require referrals for additional community resources as follows:
- Rick would benefit from a referral to an outpatient psychiatrist who specializes in working with children on the ASD spectrum for a medication evaluation, as Rick complains of trouble focusing and some mild depressive symptoms. Cost is not an issue.
- Rick was identified as male at birth but is now contemplating a more gender creative identity and would like to attend a support group in either Broward or Palm Beach County for LGBTQ youth. Please make sure you document in your answer the time, date, and locations of the group (or indicate if it is online) with a weblink to this information in order to receive full credit.
- Rick's parents need support. They would benefit from a support group for parents of children on the ASD spectrum. Please make sure you document in your answer the time, date, and locations of the group (or indicate if it is online) with a weblink to this information in order to receive full credit.
How to answer each prompt:
- For each item, identify community resources that support people living with neurodevelopmental disorders. Include the provider or resource's full contact information (including address and phone number) as well as an active link to their website.
- In addition to the resource for each item, discuss why you think this choice could best serve Rick's (or his parents') identified needs. Be sure to comment on the expertise of the provider or organization in which you plan to make the referral.
- Write a thorough, substantive paragraph (about five sentences), summarizing why you chose this resource and what it can offer the client. This must be in your words; any "cut and paste" from the websites will be considered plagiarism and will result in a grade of “0”.
Example on how to set up submission:
Using a different case scenario, let's say you were asked to find a resource for Lisa, who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She seeks a professionally led support group for people with cancer. She has limited funds and would prefer to meet in person. She asks that the support group be in Broward county.
- Here is how you would set up your answer:
Gilda's Club 850 Prospect Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Phone: (954) 763-6776 Website for group therapy: https://gildasclubsouthflorida.org/our-programs/support-and-networking-groups/Links to an external site.
- I would refer Lisa to Gilda's Club in Fort Lauderdale. Founded in memory of the late actress Gilda Radnor who died of cancer, Gilda's Club was established to support the well-being of people living with cancer and their loved ones. While offering a myriad of programs including education, wellness counseling, and peer support, Gilda's Club also offers free group therapy. As per their website their groups are run by licensed mental health practitioners and meet on a weekly and on-going basis. There are in-person options as well as online group meetings. I cannot provide Lisa with a specific time in which she can attend group because all participants must first be screened before being assigned to a group. I can direct Lisa to the organization's calendar at https://gcsf.gnosishosting.net/Events/Calendar in which she can see the contact person for the group she wishes to attend.
Grading Note: In order to receive 15 points, papers must have all criteria as per above. Paragraphs must be written with substance in a professional manner, with attention to grammar and details. This assignment must be submitted as a Word file from within this page in Canvas.