Case Management: Mike's Approach on the Return to Work Formula

(40%)
Length expectation: 2,500 words not including title page, appendices, and references (APA format) with 25% leeway over or under (1875-3125 words). Submitted assignments outside this range may be docked marks depending on the discretion of the professor.
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As you begin to address the Final Assignment- note that the supplementary readings include background information on the autism spectrum. You will notice that the diagnosis of "Asperger's Syndrome' is mentioned. While this diagnosis is no longer utilized in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) published in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association and replaced by Autism Spectrum Disorder, the diagnosis is still utilized in the International Classification of Diseases -11 (ICD-11) . The ICD-11 includes Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and certain other generalized developmental disorders, within the category of ‘Autism’. World Health Organization, (2018). The ICD-11 updated the diagnostic criteria for autism, and, while more in line with the DSM-5 these differences continue.
https://www(dot)autismeurope(dot)org/blog/2018/06/21/world-health-organisation-updates-classification-of-autism-in-the-icd-11
An additional link to foundations of Asperger's is provided here: https://www(dot)verywellmind(dot)com/what-is-asperger-s-syndrome-5075606
For our purposes on the Assignment, the functional aspects that may be relevant to 'The Story of Jason' are what is important, rather than the diagnostic terminology. As you can see there have been some adjustments happening in the medical classifications in this regard.
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In this final assignment (~2500 words), you will address Jason’s case from the perspective of the case manager’s supervisor. Mike, the case manager, is struggling with constructing an effective return to work plan with Jason. You will critique Mike’s actions and providing evidence-based strategies that could be employed to provide needed guidance.
Critique Mike’s approach, indicating strengths and barriers to successful RTW for Jason.
Include Mike’s information gathering to date in the areas of assessment and planning, including key omissions by Mike.
Utilize strategies for organizing your approach to case management and principles of critical reasoning explored in the course material in order to promote a more thorough and systematic approach to case management in this scenario.
The presence of stigma is apparent in this case at several levels. Describe two instances in the case where stigma and/or lack of disclosure have impacted optimal work participation for Jason.
Describe and reference strategies for engaging workers that could be utilized to address these barriers.
Provide a reflection on your readiness for taking on leadership roles in case management. Include examples drawn from activities both within and external to WHDM 406.
The Story of Jason
Jason is a 22-year-old single male. Jason was raised in Bluetown, (population 4000). As a child he tended to isolate and was uncoordinated physically. In grades 6-8, he excelled in mathematics, focusing intensely on related concepts and projects, but he struggled with all other subjects. Jason’s parents were unwavering in their support and guidance for him.
Jason’s transition to high school brought new challenges. This involved a bus ride to a larger town nearby. Jason missed his solitary walks to the local primary (k-8) school. He didn’t know what to say to anyone on the bus despite many familiar faces, burying himself in his iPhone. In the fall of grade 10, Jason’s emotional state continued to change. He became anxious and depressed, and he isolated himself in the stairwells at school during breaks and lunchtime. He retreated to the garage at home immediately upon return from school and could be found there late in the evening, working on his prized 1955 Chevy truck. Engine maintenance and bodywork went on hour by hour by hour. Jason’s parents had always been concerned by their son’s insular approach to life and his unrelenting focus on solitary activities. However, the onset of depression concerned them and they sought medical advice. The diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome (an Autism Spectrum Disorder) was made as Jason turned fifteen.
Jason was initially devastated by the diagnosis. Specialized counselling services available at the high school helped with breaking down some of his challenges in day-to-day activities at the high school. The counsellor assisted with social skills sessions. Jason’s teachers were informed of the diagnosis and recommendations were provided to assist with Jason both socially and academically. Academic counselling resulted in recommendations for Jason to pursue his strengths in mathematics and entrance to a state university in a first-year sciences program followed after grade 12.
This next transition brought Jason to a level of anxiety and discomfort unprecedented in his previous life experiences. Although the university was well developed in its resources for students with autism, the transition away from his supportive family and the cacophony of residence life, along with auditory stimulation which seemed to be absolutely everywhere, not to mention the academic expectations, were too much to bear. Jason withdrew from courses and returned to his parents’ home.
Back in his familiar home, Jason resumed his pattern of solitary activity in the garage, working on his truck. Jason’s father was able to find him work in a large local garage through a friend. The friend who would become Jason’s onsite manager was aware that Jason had struggled at university but the reasons were not disclosed to him. Jason’s initial responsibilities included basic repairs on vehicles. He worked on his own with the work being checked and signed off by the manager who was a licensed mechanic. Jason settled into the familiarly of the auto shop environment well. The hours sped by at work as he completed his assigned tasks meticulously and efficiently. During breaks and lunchtime, Jason developed a routine of reading the newspaper and listening to his iPod, while the boisterous young mechanics at the other end of the lunch area ignored him. Jason found solace in his strategies but recognized his ‘differentness’ and ‘non- acceptance’ as something he had grown used to his whole life.
As the months went past, Jason’s skills became evident to the manager and his co-workers. Jason acquired a full-time permanent position. Still, there was no move by the co-workers to include Jason in basic conversation or activities outside of work. Jason’s fastidious work set him apart from their repetitive role in the oil change bay across the shop.
One day, Jason was working on an engine. He had a rare lapse in concentration while reaching past a running belt and caught his finger - and lost the tip of his little finger.
He was off work for one month. During this time, he went through a period of depression, ruminating incessantly on his accident. He had little interest in his truck, isolated himself in his room with his music, and frequently slept to escape his self-deprecating thoughts.
Jason was referred to an external case manager through the auto shop’s insurance provider. Jason’s mother accompanied him to the initial meeting with the case manager at the insurance provider’s office. Mike, the case manager, welcomed Jason and his mother warmly, but Jason did not make eye contact or speak. As Mike asked questions about Jason’s current work status, his mother answered on his behalf, a longstanding habit. Mike then outlined the information provided by the physician, indicating that Jason could RTW on light duty, but could not lift or do mechanical work with his left hand. As a result, Mike had tentatively arranged for Jason to work in the oil change bay completing phone calls, filing, and light office tasks as required. Being familiar with auto shops in general, Mike thought the plan represented a logical progression.
Naturally, Jason was appalled at the thought of being placed in this area. He was also afraid of losing his job. The physician had not provided the case manager information about Jason’s mental illness, as the physician wanted to protect Jason from having this work injury deemed related to his pre-existing health challenges. While the work plan may have been perceived as logical by the case manager, in fact he has set Jason up for what could be the biggest fall in his lifetime of perpetual disappointments and restarts.