After watching Dr. Brodhead’s discussion related to facilitated communication (YouTube video), review Case 36, “Put Words in Your Mouth,” from Sush Najdowski (2019)(text book video):
Terrence is a 22-year-old nonverbal man diagnosed with ASD. Brennan is the BCBA supervising Terrence’s behavioral intervention program. Terrence uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device in the form of a tablet to communicate. Brennan consistently coordinates with Terrence’s speech-language pathologist (SLP) to support Terrence’s use of the device. Brennan recently learned from the SLP that Terrence’s parents have hired an additional speech coach to work with Terrence. Brennan observed a training session between Terrence and the new speech coach, who informed Brennan that Terrence’s communication has “exploded” since using their new system. In his observation, Brennan noticed the speech coach placing a keyboard in front of Terrence and lightly guiding his arm to press the different keys.
1)What are your clinical and ethical concerns related to the new communication system? Please reference Dr. Brodhead’s discussion.
2)Does Brennan’s ethical responsibility toward Terrence and his family change if she does not incorporate the new speech system within sessions with Terrence?
