ASD Case Study: Molly Molly is a 4-year-old preschool student with autism spectrum disorder and significant expressive and receptive language deficits. She is primarily echolalic and seldom uses her language spontaneously to communicate with peers and teachers. She has a difficult time following directions and transitioning from one activity to the next. Molly is very fearful of social situations and often avoids social interactions. Molly spends the vast majority of her time on the playground alone with little peer interaction. Molly engages in stereotypical behaviors such as hand flapping, vocalizations, and eye gazing. She has been noted to slap herself in the head and has recently begun slapping parents and teachers. Molly is noted to have a short attention span, poor motor coordination, difficulty tying her shoes and managing snaps and buttons, and sensory-seeking needs.

Assignment Based on the above case study of Molly, you will use the Unit 9 Assignment Template to write a 3- to 5-page informative essay that analyzes how Molly’s communication, behavior, social skills, cognitive skills, and sensory-motor skills can be addressed. This essay should include specific examples of strategies and environmental supports that would be beneficial for Molly given her identified individual needs. Be sure to address all five areas of need (communication, behavior, social, cognitive, sensory-motor). You will discuss professional conduct with parents and family members when supporting Molly’s needs. Introduction Using your response from the Unit 6 Assignment, include your personal definition of autism spectrum disorder. Briefly summarize the case study and identify how this paper will help address Molly’s needs in communication, behavior, social/emotional, cognitive, and sensory-motor skills. Communication Skills Analyze how Molly's communication skills can be addressed in the typical early childhood environment. Include specific examples of strategies and environmental supports that would be beneficial for Molly given her identified individual needs. Behavior Skills Analyze how Molly's behavioral skills can be addressed in the typical early childhood environment. Include specific examples of strategies and environmental supports that would be beneficial for Molly given her identified individual needs. Social/Emotional Skills Analyze how Molly's social/emotional skills can be addressed in the typical early childhood environment. Include specific examples of strategies and environmental supports that would be beneficial for Molly given her identified individual needs. Cognitive Skills Analyze how Molly's cognitive skills can be addressed in the typical early childhood environment. Include specific examples of strategies and environmental supports that would be beneficial for Molly given her identified individual needs. Sensory-Motor Skills Analyze how Molly's sensory-motor skills can be addressed in the typical early childhood environment. Include specific examples of strategies and environmental supports that would be beneficial for Molly given her identified individual needs. Professional Conduct How can educators support family members during this process? What would you want parents to know about what you (the educator) need from them during this process? How will you conduct yourself professionally in a situation where parents are upset or angry? Conclusion Link the strategies and supports you have provided above to illustrate the characteristics of the recommended learning environment for Molly. Assignment Guidelines Your Assignment should include the following elements: Title page: Provide your name, section number, and date. Body: In 3 to 5 pages, answer all the questions in complete sentences and paragraphs. Your responses should reflect professional writing standards using proper tone and language and be free of spelling and grammatical errors. The writing and writing style should be correct and accurate and reflect knowledge of early childhood education theories and practices. Reference page: Sources in APA format Please include at least two different references in your responses. Your full references should be listed alphabetically on the reference page. Use Arial or Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced and left aligned. Use standard 1" margins on all sides. Use APA formatting and citation style throughout your paper.