The mother of a 3-year-old female brings her daughter in for a psychiatric evaluation. The mother is concerned because she sometimes sees her daughter talking to an “imaginary friend” and Mom is worried because she has a cousin with schizophrenia. Further the staff at her daughter’s daycare report that this little girl seems to prefer playing alone, even though there are lots of other children to play with. The child does not want to share her toys, and does not seem interested in playing with other children. 

The PMHNP recognizes that it is likely that: 

A. The child may be demonstrating early indicators of schizophrenia which is possible due to family history. 

B. These behaviors are consistent with developmental stage and not a cause for concern. 

C. Play therapy with an early-childhood therapist may help her integrate better with other children 

D. Autism spectrum disorder is more likely than schizophrenia given the child’s age. 

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_bkWpc69Z8&list=PLf0PFEPBXfq5HGfNV-GbOlYHtDwd35OeG&index=77