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Question: Using the biopsychosocial model formulate a table and identify the biological, psychological and the social/environmental factors that apply to the following case study: Alicia is a 6-year-old girl in Grade 1 in a public Primary School near Pinetown. Her parents are originally from Mozambique, her mother fled from Mozambique due to the physical abuse from Alicia’s father and came to South Africa last year in search of a better life for her children. Alicia lives in an informal settlement with her mother and 2 younger brothers. Her mother hand weaves mats and sells them by the roadside, Alicia helps her after school and during weekends. She has not found work yet and use the little money she gets from selling mats to support her children. Alicia speaks Swahili and Portuguese at home and does not understand any of the South African languages. The school that Alicia attends uses IsiZulu as a language of instruction and she does not understand the teacher due to the language barrier. Alicia’s birth card indicate that she was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) a condition that results from alcohol exposure during the mother’s pregnancy. Her teacher tries her best to accommodate her by relying on demonstrations when instructing her to do tasks, it is however, still difficult for Alicia to comprehend and her teacher suspects that Alicia’s academic challenges are not only a result of the language barrier. She seems to lack concentration in class and appears to be in a world of her own. She also struggles to interact and engage with other learners in her class. Her teacher has noted that she is usually tired in the mornings and lacks energy, her energy levels seem to improve after break when she has eaten a meal provided by the school. Her teacher called her mother for a meeting to address Alicia’s academic challenges, her mother came to school intoxicated and communication between her and Alicia’s teacher was difficult. She did demonstrate that the teacher must hit Alicia if she gives her any trouble. Despite Alicia’s academic challenges her teacher has noted that she is very artistic and enjoys drawing, singing, and dancing.
| Biological Factors | Psychological Factors | Social/Environmental Factors | |----------------|----------------------|----------------| | Alicia has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome which results from alcohol exposure during her mother's pregnancy. This syndrome is known to affect the development of the brain and some physical features.| Alicia's academic challenges could be, at least in part, due to her lack of understanding of the language used at her school, thus infringing her to fully comprehend the curriculum and instructions. | Alicia's mother, being a single parent who works long hours selling mats, likely isn't able to provide the needed support for Alicia's education. | | She shows signs of tiredness and lack of energy which might point towards malnutrition or lack of proper sleep.| Alicia seems daydreaming, which indicates she might be retreating into her own world due to her inability to academically and socially perform like her peers.| The language used in school is IsiZulu, which Alicia doesn't understand. This language barrier severely affects her ability to follow lessons and to socialize with her peers. | | | Alicia’s teacher noted that she has a difficulty in concentrating, and her lack of engagement with other students shows signs of social and emotional issues. | Alicia is living in an informal settlement environment which can be associated with lower educational attainment, being in stressful situations, and facing various risk factors that affect child development. | | | She has a creative side and loves drawing, singing, and dancing. These could be therapeutic for her and also might present an opportunity for her to showcase her skills and to express herself. | Alicia's mother's substance abuse and endorsement of physical punishment can negatively affect Alicia's emotional wellbeing and safety. | Be mindful that these observations are not a definitive diagnosis. A comprehensive assessment by qualified professionals in pediatrics, psychology, and social work is necessary to fully ascertain Alicia's situation and to provide her with the appropriate supportive interventions.
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