RUNNING HEAD: THE ODD WAY HOME

Critical Thinking Assignment

The Odd Way Home
Fernando Reyna
New Mexico State University

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Environment/Ecosystem

Duncan Richards is a 26 year old Caucasian male from New Mexico. He was diagnosed
with autism (Aspergers) as a child. Despite his disability Duncan is highly functioning and is
capable of many self-sufficient behaviors. However, his autism has prevented him from
developing some of the social skills he needs (such as problem-solving, managing anxiety,
controlling negative emotions and understanding social cues and context) to be self-sufficient.
Therefore his maternal grandmother remained his primary caregiver up until her death in 2014.
For example, Duncan was recently assaulted outside a medical clinic after a misunderstanding
with a friend due to a lack of understanding social norms. Although he required a caregiver,
Duncan shared many of the household responsibilities and often served as his grandmothers
caregiver especially when her health began to deteriorate. Duncan grew up in a rural area of the
state in a home that belonged to his grandmother. Duncan spent the majority of his time living in
a trailer that was parked in his grandmothers garage. He states that he felt more comfortable
there. Duncan held a position at a local convenience store where he worked as a cashier. It is
unclear how long Duncan was at this position or what his educational background is. He states
that things were going well and that he had a stable routine prior to his grandmothers passing.
Duncans father was never involved in his life other than financially. Duncans father left
him in the care of his grandmother as a small child. It is unknown what became of Duncans
mother or if he ever knew her. Duncan recently met his father for the first time as an adult. The
meeting did not go well because of the clear incongruity between Duncans life and his fathers
new family. Mr. Richards remarried and had two more children so Duncan has a half-brother and
sister that he does not have contact with. Goodness of fit is an interesting concept regarding

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Duncan as his estranged fathers last words to him were that he doesnt fit in his life. This is
true in regards to his fathers new life due to Duncans disability and his fathers perception of
his mental capacity. However, Duncan states he walked away from this meeting feeling
empowered and happy with his life. Mr. Richards will continue to support his son financially
but other than that does not wish to maintain contact with his son. It is unclear at this time who
will assist Duncan with his financial affairs.
The other significant presence in Duncans life is a young woman named Maya (23).
Duncan met Maya on the day of his grandmothers death. Maya had entered the family home in
search of assistance. She was traveling through New Mexico after escaping an abusive
relationship with an ex-boyfriend in California. Her vehicle broke down and she attempted to
commandeer Duncans trailer unaware that Duncan was in the back at the time. After learning of
Duncans situation they embarked on a road trip to inform Mr. Richards of Duncans
grandmothers death and determine what his role would be in his sons life going forward.
Maya has a troubled past that includes sexual abuse at the hands of her biological father and her
ex-boyfriend. Recently she was the victim of an attempted rape outside a bar in which Duncan
came to her aid. She did not suffer any physical injuries from this encounter. Maya recently
discovered that her father passed away which has provided some closure for her. Maya has a
long history of substance abuse but recently became sober with assistance from Duncan and her
former fiance. Duncan and Mayas former fiance are thought to be the two positive sources of
support in Mayas life at the moment. Maya has broken off contact with her estranged mother
who also lives in New Mexico. Maya claims she verbally and mentally abused her throughout
her childhood. She resented her for not protecting her against her fathers attacks. Their final

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encounter also provided closure for Maya and she states she spoke her peace and can now move
forward with her life.
The introduction of Maya to Duncans life has been beneficial to both parties. The
transactions between Maya and Duncan have greatly improved their perception of their lives.
Duncan is much more confident and content with his life. Maya has had a much more profound
change during their road trip these last few weeks. She is now sober, established closure with her
parents, re-established a positive relationship her ex-fiance and addressed issues regarding her
prior abuse. She has a lot more work to do but her sense of worth and self-esteem has
skyrocketed. Caring for Duncan has given her purpose and motivation to be and do better.
Duncan has also benefited from their friendship. The introduction of Maya into Duncans life
helped establish relatedness. He now has a sense of belonging and reciprocity. On their short
road trip Duncan developed more interpersonal skills than he probably had in the last 20 years
living with his grandmother. He is developing an understanding of how to read people and
context. It is expected that Maya will petition to become Duncans new caregiver and guardian.
There are a few systems that may be a barrier to Maya becoming Duncans guardian.
These include the legal system and the community. There will be financial barriers and red tape
that Maya and Duncan will have to navigate if they intend to live together. With her history it
may be hard for her to be declared his caregiver and assist him with his finances. Also, it is
unclear if Maya will be able to function in the small community that Duncan lives in. She may
feel the urge to relocate and it is unclear what impact a new environment may have on Duncan as
he functions best within a set routine. Within the community both Maya and Duncan will need to
identify services they will both need such as treatment, social services, and employment
opportunities.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Duncan
Duncan has several limitations as a result of his autism. He suffers from anxiety and
irritability. If he deviates from his schedule or an immediate want is not addressed he becomes
very difficult to handle. He needs constant structure and does not adjust well to change. He also
lacks social skills that lead to him being put in harms way. Recently he did not know what to do
when his grandmother died and he left her on the sofa in the living room while he went to work.
He also had several thousands of dollars in uncashed checks from his father at his home.
Despite these limitations Duncan is able to function well on his own. He had procured
employment, cared for his grandmother and kept his schedule on track. Duncan is very gifted at
drawing elaborate maps and has tremendous organizational skills and memory. He is also a very
charismatic young man who can make friends easily.
Maya
Mayas limitations include her prior substance abuse which included alcohol and
prescription medication. She also may suffer from PTSD and depression as a result of previous
trauma. Maya has anger management issues and mood swings. She has also has a difficult
medical history as she is no longer able to bear children as a result of her being molested as a
child. Maya also has trust issues stemming from being mistreated her entire life.
Mayas strengths include resilience, courage and determination. Maya has been through
significant trauma and abuse but has bounced back since meeting Duncan and seems to have

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changed her lifestyle for the better. She had the courage to leave her abusive home as a teen and
to leave an abusive ex-boyfriend. She was able to become sober without the help of medical
professionals and seems determined to maintain her sobriety. Maya also has a caring nature and
has been supportive of Duncan even though they only recently met. She is an excellent caregiver
to him and the person he trust the most. Maya is also a very gifted singer/songwriter.
As a system Duncan and Maya complement each other well. Together they work well in
addressing each others needs as Maya has social skills and problem solving abilities that
Duncan lacks and Duncan is the support system that Maya needs. Maya needed someone she
could trust and Duncan needed a caregiver that could relate to him and teach him skills someone
his age needs. He was unable to get this from his grandmother. They have given each other a
new perspective on what is important and what type of direction they need in their lives.
The community also has strengths that Duncan and Maya can benefit from. These include
the service centers they will need to utilize. Maya and Duncan will both likely need therapy
services. Duncan will be taking medication and meeting with a doctor regularly due to his
condition. There are other resources they can take advantage of such as outpatient treatment for
Mayas substance abuse and coordination of SSDI benefits for Duncan. APS may also assist in
visiting the household regularly in the event Maya becomes overwhelmed as well as assisting
with the management of Duncans income from his father. Maya also has support from her ex
fiance who does not live too far away and is willing to assist both Maya and Duncan any way
he can.

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Workers Perspective

Diversity
There are a few relevant diversity factors that must be addressed when working with
Duncan and Maya. The predominant factor is Duncans autism. Duncan has special needs that
Maya and those providing services to Duncan need to be cognizant of. He performs better when
he stays on a strict and predictable schedule. Workers and Maya will have to flexible to
accommodate these needs. Gender is also an important diversity issue as Duncan has limited
experience with females his own age. He had an incident recently where he touched Maya
inappropriately because he lacked an understanding of appropriate contact. Culture is the final
issue as Maya has been living a very different lifestyle than Duncan and he is unfamiliar with
many of the environments or situations they may end up in.
Needs
There are a number of needs I have identified for Duncan and Maya as well as needs those
providing services will need to address going forward.
Security- Duncan and Maya will need to identify a permanent residence, address their financial
situation (especially in the event Duncan is no longer supported financially by his father), their
employment situation and both of their health situations (autism, Mayas reproductive system
and substance abuse).
Social Needs(Love/Belonging)- The duo has each other to rely upon for support but in the future
they will need to broaden their support system, especially Maya who will need to connect with

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individuals on her cognitive level. She may also wish to engage in a romantic relationship in the
future. Duncan will also need to broaden his social circle to increase his independence.
Esteem Needs- Maya has suffered severe psychological trauma and it will take long term
counseling to restore her self-esteem and foster respect for her and others. They will both benefit
from counseling to increase their confidence in themselves and as a group.
This assessment of the duos needs will guide the interventions by identifying the most
pressing problems to be worked. Their basic needs should be met first (housing, economic,
health) and then long term treatment can be incorporated to address emotional needs.
Social Work Values
Social work values that must be considered when working with Maya and Duncan include:
1. Social Justice- Due to Duncans disability he can be considered part of a vulnerable
population. Up until he met Maya it doesnt appear he has received much support.
2. Dignity and worth of the person- Regardless of whether we believe Maya is the best
choice to be Duncans guardian, we must respect his self-determination and ensure she
has the skills and capabilities to care for him.
3. Competence- In working with Duncan and Maya there are a variety of sensitive issues we
may not specialize in. In the event we cannot assist them personally, it is important we
find a competent source of assistance for them.
4. Importance of human relationships- The bond between Maya and Duncan is the reason
both have accomplished so much recently. We must assist them in continuing to grow
individually, within the community, and as a unit.

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5. Integrity- Both of these individuals have been let down many times in the past. As their
social worker it is our duty to earn their trust in us and the agencies we represent.
6. Service- It is our duty to help Maya and Duncan knowing they may never thank us or
even stay in the area long term. The goal is to get them the support they need to make up
for all the letdowns theyve experienced.

Treatment Plan
Presenting Problem: Duncan and Maya wish to live in the same household with Maya as his
guardian. They are unable to cash the checks given to Duncan by his father due to suspicion of
exploitation and an inability to demonstrate a mutual relationship.
Problem to be worked: Advocating for Maya as Duncans guardian by securing adequate
housing, finding sources of treatment for both and helping her maintain her sobriety.
Underlying Problems: Duncans treatment for anxiety as a symptom of his autism. Duncans
future employment prospects. Mayas recovery from substance abuse, her possible PTSD and
depression stemming from years of sexual abuse and discovering she can no longer bear
children. Mayas anger management and possible outstanding legal issues. Procure long-term
treatment and development of coping skills for both.
Goals
1. Treatment for Duncan and Mayas behavior/disability (1 week)
Objectives: A. Conduct comprehensive mental health screenings for both.
B. Identify available resources in the area and identify medication needs.

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C. Learn coping skills and identify triggers.

Action steps: Screening will be conducted for anxiety, depression, PTSD and mood disorders.
Worker will locate facilities within 50 miles that provide adequate treatment. Based on the
identified triggers, create an action plan for each one; include multiple alternatives to address
these emotions. Create both short and long term goals that will align with this plan to be carried
out.
2.Maintain Mayas sobriety (ongoing process, reassess every 30 days)
Objectives: A. Identify causes and effects of her substance abuse
B Develop coping skills for her drug use.
C Develop a long-term plan for relapse prevention.
Action steps: Identify emotions, places, things that lead to destructive behavior and
encourage drug use. Identify a reliable support system, identify ineffective coping methods,
attend therapy as scheduled, and submit to urine analysis.
2. Arrange for Mayas guardianship of Duncan (30 days)
Objectives: A. Demonstrate that Duncan is in need of a guardian.
B. Identify Mayas capabilities as a guardian
B. Demonstrate that Maya is suitable for guardianship.
Action steps: Inform Maya of the duties and responsibilities of a guardian. Identify free legal
services, file required paperwork, and create a suitable environment for the ward (Duncan). Set

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limitations to Mayas guardianship (i.e. power of attorney, stipend). Develop a safety plan in the
event Maya cannot fulfill the duties of a guardian.
Contract
Duncan Richards and Maya both agree to adhere by the above mutually agreed upon
action plan. The stated goal is for Maya to be found suitable to be named Duncans legal
guardian and manage his affairs. The above goals will be accomplished within 90 days and the
plan will be reviewed and evaluated every 30 days.
Social work roles
The social work roles Mr. Fernando Reyna will be engaging in is as mediator, advocate,
case manager and counselor. He will mediate between Duncan and Maya to facilitate them
working in unison to accomplish their goals. He will serve as an advocate in assisting Maya
being named as Duncans guardian. He will be a counselor in providing therapy services to both
parties. He will act as case manager and keep abreast on their progress as well as adjusting the
action plan as needed and identifying resources they can utilize.
Intervention
The intervention model I might apply would be the strengths perspective and CBT. CBT
is the most common form of behavioral therapy and a proven and effective form of therapy for
substance abuse (USNLM 2012). CBT can be used to help Duncan deal with his anxiety and
irritability by teaching him coping skills and helping him manage his emotions as well as
changing his perception of stressful situations (Autism speaks, 2013).

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CBT can help reinforce Mayas coping skills by teaching her new skills that she can use
in high risk situations to prevent a relapse. CBT does this by identifying previous thoughts,
behaviors and situations that triggered her drug use and help formulate effective coping
strategies to deal with these cravings or stress that leads to abuse (USNLM 2012). I would use
the strengths perspective to work on Mayas depression and self-image. Strengths perspective
demonstrates to the client that they are already doing something well and expands upon it. In
Mayas case that would be her resilience. It would help Maya to identify coping methods that
have previously led to success and incorporate those into her new situation.
Ethics
Ethical dilemmas that may be pertinent to this case are self-determination, a client who
may lack decision making capability, and conflicts of interest.

Genogram and Eco-map (see attachments A & B.1,B.2)

References
US National Library of Medicine. (2012, December). Fact sheet: Cognitive behavioral
therapy. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0016271/
Autism Speaks. (2013). How is autism treated? Retrieved from
http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment

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