Rain Man Case Study

Raymond is an eight-year-old Hispanic, of Dominican heritage, first grade student residing in a domestic violence shelter system. Raymond and his two older sisters, eleven and thirteen, share a room with their thirty-six-year-old mother, Mrs. Ruben, who has a long history of drug addiction. Raymond was born addicted to opioids and as a result has impulse control and anger problems (Broderick, & Blewitt, p. 9). Raymond has discussed seeing his mother choked by his father, his sisters thrown across the room and parents fighting over drugs.

Raymond also experienced physical abuse at the hands of his father, Mr. Ruben who is thirty-two years old and addicted to Opiates. As a result, Raymond only sees his father during court mandated supervised

visitation. When asked about his father, Raymond becomes descriptive about visits saying things like he was taken to amusement park or the zoo, which is untrue (Broderick, & Blewitt, p.). During visitations, Mr. Ruben spends most of his time on his phone or taking selfies which indicates preoccupation with himself rather Raymond’s wellbeing (Broderick, & Blewitt, 2015). Raymond spends most of the time trying to get his father to pay attention to him, jumping around and saying things like watch this or look at what I can do. At the end of the visit, Raymond always leaves asking if next visit could be at the park or to McDonalds. Upon returning to the shelter, Raymond demonstrates aggression towards his siblings and anger towards mother saying things like its all your fault dad’s not here.
Raymond has difficulty expressing himself in an appropriate manner, often exhibiting temper tantrums, hitting and screaming.

Raymond has been observed slapping at his mother yelling, I hate you while trying to run out of the shelter. Raymond also appears to withdraw at times, sitting alone in a corner, rocking back and forth, indicative of trauma. At time Raymond has informed shelter staff that his father is not a nice person and has done stuff to him; however, will not elaborate on what things were done. Sometimes, Raymond’s mother ignores behavior as just being that of normal boy behavior. Culture plays a role in excusing Raymond’s behavior, being that he is the only male in the home he is expected to act as the man in the home. In fact, Raymond has been heard telling his sisters they are punished and go to bed when they don’t listen to him which Mrs. Ruben in turn makes the sisters obey. (Broderick, & Blewitt, p. 15). Mrs. Ruben also continues to struggle with addiction resulting in times of ambivalence towards Raymond. Raymond struggles with attachment towards mother, not wanting her to leave his side and at other times not wanting her near him (Broderick, & Blewitt, p. 11).

When interacting with his peers in school, Raymond bites, scratches and punches when he doesn’t get his way (Broderick, & Blewitt, p. 19). Raymond will call himself stupid and slap himself when not able to complete school assignments; he will throw his books on the floor. On the other hand, Raymond

seeks attention from his teachers by trying to help with giving out supplies or opening doors. At times, Raymond will rush over to give a hug to another student who is crying or has been hurt (Broderick, & Blewitt, p. 19).
Raymond’s physical appearance appeared to be that of a normal eight-year-old male. Raymond presents with impulse control, as well as cognitive delays. Raymond needs to be evaluated further for possible trauma. Raymond’s strengths are his ability to interact in both English and Spanish as well as his willingness to help others. Raymond would further benefit from behavior modification to assist him with his impulsivity in the classroom.

Reference
Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span: Human development for helping professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson