1. What are the characteristics?

Maritza clings to her mother and has regressed in her toilet training
and in her use of vocabulary words.

2. Do you think it is a type of regression or a developmental delay? Give

reasons for your answer.
Since Maritza was previously out of diapers for quite some time, I do
not think it is a developmental delay. I think it is a regression brought on by
a developmental disorder that has occurred because Maritza is unable to
cope with the stressors and change that she is experiencing.

3. Can you identify anything in this family system that you would
consider as red flags or areas of concern?
Some red flags include Ramons sudden death, Luis recent MS diagnosis,
and Carmen, Rolando, Anna, and Maria being withdrawn.

4. Would these red flags be a reason for some of the observed

behaviors? Explain your answer using examples from the case study.
Yes, I believe so. Maritza may be clingy due to separation anxiety. Also,
she may be regressing in her toilet training and use of vocabulary words as a
result of a developmental disorder brought on by an inability to cope with
stress. Since Maria doesnt drive and Luis is ill, Maritza may not be getting
the medical attention she may need.

1. Maritza, age 3, is always by her mothers side. When they moved to

the states Maritza had been out of diapers for quite a while and now
seems to be having quite a few accidents, as well as regressing in her
use of vocabulary words. Identify the red flags or areas of concern
concerning Maritza.
Red flags may include the withdrawn behavior of many of her family
members, the loss of her grandfather, her fathers sudden illness, her
grandmothers, who also played the role of her caregiver, has withdrawn
from the family, and her mother, who is her primary caregiver, is stressed

and withdrawn. These are significant changes for a 3-year-old to experience

and Maritza probably is unable to cope with the stress of these changes.
Her mother, who she may turn to for guidance, seems to be overwhelmed
with her own stressors and may not recognize Maritzas need for help.

2. Identify the areas of concern that may hinder social skills and
language development.
Maritza may be exhibiting symptoms of separation anxiety and of some
type of developmental disorder that is affecting her toilet training skills and
her use of vocabulary words. If these issues were recognized and addressed
relatively quickly, they may not have such a strong impact on Maritza.
However, with Luis being diagnosed with a degenerative illness and Maria
pregnant once again, it is likely that not only will Maritza not receive the
medical care that she needs, she will probably receive significantly less
attention than she has been receiving which will only exacerbate Maritzas
developmental issues, including her social skills and language development.