The psychological treatment of a pre-adolescent according to the Adlerian approach

Abstract

The case of a 12-year-old boy with epilepsy and intellectual disability is presented. His clinical history is summarized and the psychodiagnostic tests used on him are indicated (Dŭss Fairy Tales, Machover Tree Test, family drawing, T.A.T.) and the Parenti-Pagani intelligence tests, which outlined a lifestyle that places him at the center of his parents' care, causing him to avoid any commitment and exploit his shortcomings. Treatment aimed to give him greater autonomy (improving his knowledge of his body, allowing him to express himself freely) and to encourage him and broaden his interests (reading him fairy tales, playing with puzzles, playing the game Paroliamo, teaching him the value of money, getting him to use topographical maps and asking him to comment on current affairs). Through interviews, parents and the school were also involved in this psychotherapeutic process, which, after 18 months, made the boy independent