Preschool Center Observation

The individual selected for my observation is Maria at the preschool center where I work. Maria is 4 years old and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. Maria’s dad was also diagnosed with autism. Maria is in an inclusive classroom setting with other children of different ages ranging from 18 months to 5 years. She lives with her parents in the city of Philadelphia and is the only child of her parents. All observations were conducted within the school environment. Maria needs a behavioral assessment because she is non-verbal. She has difficulty socializing and has sensory sensitivity.
Maria started attending the preschool center at the age of 2 1/5 and at that time, she hadn’t yet been formally evaluated or assessed. Her parents informed the school that she was non-verbal and she bangs her head when she can’t get her way. She also holds a silk rug for comfort. Maria’s parents were advised by the center director to have her evaluated. The center director provided with all the information and application necessary to be assessed by a behavioral specialist.
My first time observing Marie was difficult due to my lack of appropriate training as an observer. Marie would engage in screaming out loud and hold her ears whenever there was a large group

She would run back and forth for about 20 to 30 minutes, looking up in the air and making sounds with her mouth while flapping her hands when she sees a bird or an airplane flying by. Sometimes, she would also put her hands over her ears. Oftentimes, her teachers would try to redirect her to other activities such as the sandbox, playhouse, bike, swing, or tree stump, etc. Most of the time it is easy to redirect her especially if she is redirected to the sandbox; she usually ends up eating or licking the sand. She can play in the sandbox for about 30 minutes or more if she is not eating the sands, but would be taken out if she