As an experienced BCaBA, you are asked to evaluate a case scenario and the possible ethical considerations. You need to weigh the risks and benefits of an intervention given the severity of the clients behaviors.Ali is a 5-year-old child diagnosed with autism that engages in several problem behaviors in the classroom setting. The current classroom includes one teacher, a teachers assistant, and a paraprofessional with 12 students in the class. This is a self-contained classroom, and all of the students in the classroom have various needs. Alis most severe problem behavior includes self-injurious behavior of hitting herself in the forehead. This behavior is often mild in magnitude but sometimes more forceful to the point that it leaves a mark. Currently, the behavior occurs about 15 times per day. Alis parents are concerned that this behavior may be causing headaches and other pain. You want to get together the team of stakeholders to involve them in the decision making. You also want to rule out any medical issues so you consult the parent about asking the doctor about the headaches. You ask for consent to speak with the other individuals on the team.
After observing the behavior, you notice that the behavior mostly occurs during group lessons or when the teacher is not attending to Ali. Parents also notice that when they are talking or on the phone, the behavior occurs. The function of the self-injurious behavior is hypothesized to be attention.
The current recommendation for a behavior intervention is that a Differential Reinforcement of Other behaviors (DRO) procedure be implemented for the absence of head hitting. First, interresponse time data will need to be collected to determine the interval schedule. Before proceeding, you want to weigh the risks and benefits of implementing this procedure since Alis behavior is self-injurious. Since the function is hypothesized to be attention-seeking, you wonder if extinction combined with reinforcement (DRO) is the best procure. Discuss the risks and benefits of implementing a DRO procedure for the absence of head hitting.
Once you have read the case scenario above, use the Unit 7 Assignment Template to complete this assignment. You will be asked to do the following:
Summarize the case scenario.
Identify at least four applicable ethical codes in Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts that apply to the case scenario.
Explain your rationale for choosing the ethical codes.
Complete a risk-benefit analysis regarding the case scenario and BIP recommendations (see Chapter 16 for guidance). Be sure to include all of the following:
General risk factors for behavioral treatment
Risk factors for each behavioral procedure
Benefits of behavioral treatment
Analysis of the risks-to-benefits for all involved parties
Summarize your findings from the Risk Benefit Analysis. Be sure to answer the following questions in your summary:
How many risks were there?
How many benefits were there?
Do the risks outweigh benefits or do the benefits outweigh the risks?
How can the results of this analysis guide your decision?
Summarize the case scenario.
Identify at least four applicable ethical codes from Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts that apply to the case scenario.
Explain your rationale for choosing the above codes from the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.
Risk-Benefit Analysis
Risk Factors Explanation
What is the nature of the behavior to be treated? Is it dangerous to the client of others?
Are there sufficient personnel or mediators to administer the treatment?
Are there significant others or personnel able to administer the treatment correctly?
Is the setting appropriate for the treatment?
Is the behavior analyst (BA) experienced in the treatment of this type of case?
Is there any risk to others in the setting?
Is there buy-in from the key people associated with this case?
Is there liability to the BA?
Summary of general risks
Benefits Explanation
Clients behavior is greatly improved; the client comes into contact with many new reinforcers, and has more choices.
Clients environment is greatly improved because of the change in behavior, i.e., less stress for caregivers, peers, etc.
Caregivers feel more in charge; there is improved morale and an eagerness to move forward with the client.
Peers in the setting may change their behaviors toward the client, providing more opportunities for social reinforcers.
Liability to the setting is greatly reduced.
Summary of benefits
Based on the above risk-benefit analysis of the case scenario, describe your findings. Be sure to answer the following questions in your summary:
How many risks were there?
How many benefits were there?
Do the risks outweigh benefits or do the benefits outweigh the risks?
How can the results of this analysis guide your decision?
