Case Study
Katie Peterson, an 18-year-old woman, has been referred to you by her primary care provider for
recommendations and treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Throughout childhood and
adolescence, Katie’s support has not been consistent in managing her ASD, and her parents are seeking a
PMHNP to address Katie’s anxiety, frequent temper outbursts, and increasing difficulties interacting with
her peers throughout the day.
Her medical history includes seizures since the age of 11 months. A baseline SPECT scan revealed
overactivity in the basal ganglia and marked increased patchy uptake throughout her cerebral cortex.
1. Confirm Katie’s diagnosis based on the information you have been given. Discuss the importance of the
baseline SPECT scan.
2. Outline the types of resources you would recommend to help Katie function better.
3. What, if any, medications could help Katie improve her mood swings and anxiety? Provide rationale.
4. List two types of psychotherapy and a rationale that would help Katie. Explain why these
psychotherapies are significant to your evaluation or diagnos