1.

What psychological systems are useful in assessing Raul Salazar's

case?
I think Piagets Structural Approach to Cognition, particularly adaption
and organization, would be useful in assessing Rauls case. Raul went through
many changes during the first three years of his life and may not have
gained the capacity to relate to the changing world because he has not
learned how to adapt to such change in an effective way.
2. Is Raul experiencing any difficulties in his emotions, attitudes or
perceptual abilities?
Rauls parents may be exposing him to behaviors that can have an impact
on all three of these areas. Mrs. Salazar reports problems with nerves,
depression, and weakness. This may allude to a problem she has with
effectively interacting with her environment, or competency. Around the
same time she experienced deep depression Raul began banging his head to
fall asleep and biting his finger and toenails. He also developed a fear of the
dark, for which his brother and father humiliated him. Any or all of these
factors may have had an impact on Rauls emotions, attitudes, and perceptual
abilities.
3. Does Raul have problems with concentration or attention? What is the
difference?
Attention refers to the ability to focus on a task at hand without
interruption of unrelated stimuli. Concentration refers to sustaining such
attention for a period of time. I suspect Rauls problem is with attention,
which would also create problems with concentration.
4. Would it be reasonable to automatically say Raul has ADD or ADHD?
Why or why not?
It would not be reasonable at all. That is a diagnosis that can only be
made by a qualified M.D. As social workers we must take into account both
the internal and external influences and experiences that may be impacting
Raul. No matter what we should never make snap decisions about any person.

5. Are the reported activity levels a function of problems with behavior

or emotions?
Raul has been reported to be anxious. Perhaps his activity levels are a
physiological response to an anxious emotion.