Exploring How 5 Year Old Thalij Emperor s Influence On...

Introduction Social interactions can be difficult, even at a young age. Without proper guidance and development, coupled with cultural differences, it can be a hard feat for young children to engage in social conversations with others. Furthermore, continued social impairment likely can lead to lasting effects on self-esteem, intellectual development, and other aspects of psychosocial development. In the case study below, we will explore how 5-year-old Thalij Emperor presents with some atypical social behavior, as outlined by Piaget. We will discuss how the intersection of his parents’ foreign background and his heightened intellectual development distance him from other children. Finally, we will examine some evidence-based treatments that could help Thalij Emperor regain a sense of social adequacy. Presenting Challenges Thalij lives with his parents—Yasmin Emperor Abdul Emperor. They are happy family that immigrated from Iran a year before Thalij was born. Yasmin brought Thalij into the clinic due to his inability to properly play with other children at social events and at school. This was primarily seen on days when Thalij would rather play with himself than other children. He also has a tendency to speak to himself aloud (See Appendix A). Given Thalij’s lack of a wide range of emotions and his tendency to focus on himself than others, there is the possibility that Thalij may have some type of social disorder. But also given the context of his parents’ background and