Case 1
Andy was a BCBA who had previously worked for years as a massage therapist. One of the first cases that he received in a residential setting for adults with developmental disabilities involved a female client who would run down the hall out of the blue and hit another client in the back. The client would laugh and then go in her room and sit on her bed. Andy felt that she was tense and that her behavior was caused by her bursts of unpredictable aggression. As a result, Andy wrote treatment program that involved shoulder rubs for this client in contingent on any such behavior.
As Andy’s supervisor, how would you handle this situation?
Step 1 Identify the (1) ethical dilemma; (2) the relevant BACB compliance code that you learned this week; (3) the personal values or biases that may influence your decision-making on this issue.
Step 2 Brainstorm the solution to the question raised?
Step 3 Evaluate solution
Step 4 Have you found an ethically acceptable solution?
Step 5 Reflect upon your decisions
Case 2
Dr. P. was a BCBA-D. He has been working on Steve’s behavior issues for years. Steve lives in a supported living apartment in the community, and he works at a job with supervision from vocational rehabilitation. Dr. P’s data showed that Steve frequently arrives late or completely misses work. A variety of incentive programs have been ineffective. Dr. P is wondering if Steve would benefit from counseling. He has a friend and colleague who is a counseling psychologist; his plan is to invite his colleague to lunch and tell him about Steve.
Can Dr. P talk to another professional about Steve to determine if the person would consider taking Steve as a client?
Step 1 Identify the (1) ethical dilemma; (2) the relevant BACB compliance code that you learned this week; (3) the personal values or biases that may influence your decision making on this issue.
Step 2 Brainstorm the solution to the question raised?
Step 3 Evaluate solution
Step 4 Have you found an ethically acceptable solution?
Step 5 Reflect upon your decisions
Case 3
Dr. G. was consulting with clients who were senior citizens living in a residential facility. Mr. Smith refused to walk anywhere. He sat in a wheelchair day after day, and within a short period of time she no longer had the strength to walk to the dining room or down the hall. The medical staff identified walking as the number one goal for Mr. Smith. Dr. G. knew that behavioral services for this activity would probably be needed only for a few weeks.
Should Dr. G. tell Mr. Smith he will be working with him until he improves, or should he wait until he is ready to terminate his services?
Step 1 Identify the (1) ethical dilemma; (2) the relevant BACB compliance code that you learned this week; (3) the personal values or biases that may influence your decision making on this issue.
Step 2 Brainstorm the solution to the question raised?
Step 3 Evaluate solution
Step 4 Have you found an ethically acceptable solution?
Step 5 Reflect upon your decisions
