Case Study 5: “Boundaries” 

Bailey Baughn 

Chesapeake College 

Educational Psychology 

1. There are several issues in this case. First, Dominic obviously has some sort 

of behavioral disorder or a disorder in general. Without parental consent he 

cannot be tested which means he cannot get special services. The second 

issue is that Dominic’s mother is in denial that her child needs help. Without 

some sort of diagnosis or any help this child is putting himself as well as his 

peers in danger. The mother needs to understand that though it’s a hard pill 

to swallow, she needs to understand that general education is hurting him by 

not getting him the help he needs as well as putting other children in danger. 

An issue for Ms. Sylvia is now that parents are angry about Dominic’s actions 

in her classroom which she is responsible for acknowledging and taking care 

of.  

2. I think Dominic’s mother refused to have him evaluated either because she is 

in denial or she is embarrassed that her child needs to be evaluated. 

3. Ms. Sylvia has moved Dominic’s desk away from his peers, which I think is a 

good call on her choice. I am wondering if there was a way she could 

incorporate some sort of sticker chart/choice box or let him have a 

preferred toy or fidget for sitting with a calm body and good behavior. Maybe 

she could contact the school guidance counselor or social worker, just 
 someone to reach out again to the mother to express their concerns about 

Dominic and the other children in school. And explain it’s for Dominic’s own 

well-being and safety. 

4. As a teacher I am responsible for all children in the room. I would express 

that I understand their concerns and I am doing everything I can to make 

sure that their child is and feels safe in school. I would then relay the 

message to the school guidance counselor or school social worker to have 

them reach out to the families and listen to their concerns as well.