Piaget’s development model

Piaget’s development model

Piaget’s development model describes the stages of cognitive development for children from the time they are born until they transition into adulthood. It provides a rational basis for the treatment of Robert, a 5-year-old foster kid who is showcasing some stunted intellectual development for children his age.  Robert’s age places him in the operational stage in Piaget’s theory. At this stage, the boy should think symbolically and learn how to use words and objects to represent objects xx. Ms Smith’s act of firmly holding Robert’s hand reveals he cannot adapt to the office environment they are in and behave modestly forcing Ms Smith to constrain him. The boy also showcases an extremely active mannerism when Ms Smith gets into my office, “Robert is moving around the office in an extremely active manner” xx (). Children who have attained five years, based on Piaget’s model should show some slight improvement in language and thinking skills as compared to their counterparts in the Sensorimotor Stage. Robert, on the contrary, has trouble communicating as evidenced by his inability to respond to questions and speak delays and slurs observed by Ms Smith xx. Another notable feat for children in the operational stage is the ability to pretend play and interact with playground members. Robert is, however hyperactive, extremely impulsive and experiences frequent tantrums accompanied by aggression towards other children XX (). These mannerisms inhibit his social development at school.

Further, Robert’s actions of wetting of the bed, both during the day and at night and the occasional bowel movements outside the toilet reveal he is yet to develop object permanence. He fails to understand the distinct nature of objects and physiological body process that continue to exist and happen while unwatched xx. Other developmental issues include the inability to restrain from eating or respond to external stimuli such as pain. The above symptoms either suggest Robert is suffering from Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder or Autism spectrum disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) will help in the identification of reasons for James distorted thought process, emotional insensitivity and other behaviours. After that,  I will employ the various  CBT tests to improve the boy’s response time to external stimuli and stimulate his internal controls for physiological processes such as urinating and bowel movements.

2.

I feel I will be very traumatized in getting James to open up on his life with his biological parents who based on Ms Smith were physically abusing him to the extent of inflicting scars on his body. I might overreact if James confirms my fears which will make him hurt more and worsen his condition.  My plan for safeguarding against such an occurrence entails practising how to showcase empathy as required of a professional. Another safeguard will be to trace Roberts teachers and interrogate them on his behaviour at school to familiarize with the issues before the therapy sessions with the boy.

3.

My first interaction with James and Ms Smith reveals they might both be African American. Since I am Arabic, I fear that racial and cultural differences might limit the success rates of the planned therapy. Robert might fear opening up to me since I do not showcase the same physical attributes like his biological and foster parent Ms Smith.

4.

Mental health agency policies dictate that special written consent forms be signed before evaluations and the provision of services for victims xx (https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/healthy-foster-care-america/Documents/Ch6_Medical_%20Consents.pdf). In the case of James,  the foster care home has not signed the Consent for Treatment form. For evaluation treatment to presume the foster care home has to approve of the procedure.

5.

I will first ask Ms Smith to share the details of Robert’s foster home. I will organize a meeting with the agency representative to confirm the case involving James and seek consent for the commencement of his evaluation.  I will also trace his teachers and biological parents to gain better insights into Robert’s behaviour.