Megan Page- ASD Blog 6

                 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What is Legal and Ethical issues mean?

Legal means these are a set of standards that are set forth by the government that can be caused as concern if not met properly and ethical means standards that are based on human principles regarding right and wrong which can be the best judgment for each individual that can cause issues between each individual of what is right and wrong. 

Legal and Ethical Concerns

• ABA therapy is a ethical concern because it is changing behaviors to treat an individual which includes changing negative behaviors into positive behaviors but their techniques and/or strategies can be an ethical concern to some. 
• Not getting proper treatment needed because of issues with denial/shame/embarrassment; knowing their is issues with an individual at hand and not doing anything to help the individuals quality of life can become an ethical concern.
• Not getting the proper diagnosis, assessment and resources can cause a legal concern regarding future treatment and care for an individual. 
• Not reporting aggressive behaviors towards peers and workers; which include biting, pinching, pulling hair- whether it is towards themselves or others; reporting behaviors and keeping track can lead to legal issues if not reported.
• Not treated with dignity and respect towards a person with ASD in the care of a facility can lead to legal and ethical concerns.

Letter of the Law vs. Spirit of the Law

The letter of the law is the literal follow of the law and spirit of the law is the intent to follow the law. When it means letter of the law means following the law and abiding by the letter law vs. spirit of the law which means the intent to follow the law but not actually following and abiding by the law. When meaning spirit of law is the principle of good, which can mean by good spirit. The letter of law which means by the book, laws and regulations. 

Examples of the Spirit of law: Dignity and Respect, Compassion and Understanding, Patience, quality of care

Letter of Law: Accommodations, Work place, school settings, human rights, equality

Potential Issues Impact on the Individual

When dealing with an individual with ASD, the spectrum is very large and many individuals face different challenges because of their disability. Some of the potential issues that they can face include

• Respect/Dignity
• Communication Barriers/Lack of communication
• Lack of support; community based/family based
• Embarrassment/Shame
• Easily overstimulated
• Sensory Issues which include food, clothes, lights and sounds
• Bullying
• Lack of education support
• Depression/Anxiety
• Struggles with relationships/friendships
• Struggles with daily living which include having a job and/driving

Not all people have these issues with their ASD but it is something to be aware of and to consider for someone with ASD.

Impact on Family/Friend, Environment, and Society

ASD is a big commitment to a family because of the long term care of an ASD individual needs which include Occupational, Speech, Physical, IEP plans, ABA therapy. It does depend on the ASD diagnosis and the assessments given to the individual on what they can benefit from with the treatment provided. The impact ASD has on everyone includes

• Stress
• Anxiety/Depression
• Burnout
• Financial Issues
• Shame/Embarrassment
• Lack of Support to family
• Lack of resources for help
• Judgement
• Childcare issues

Living with “High Functioning” Autism (Connor's Experience)

References

YouTube. (2022, November 3). Living with “high functioning” autism (Connor’s experience). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVnSIExQ5WY

Wilkenfeld, D. A., & McCarthy, A. M. (2020). Ethical concerns with applied behavior analysis for autism spectrum" disorder". Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal, 30(1), 31-69.