Using A Model for Ethical Decision Making, which you first covered in your Ethics course, review and analyze the following scenario. Make sure that you follow the model and discuss your decision making along every step of the model. Refer to Code 4.0 of the BACBs Professional and Ethical Compliance Code (ATTACHED) and other sections of the code if needed. What did you ultimately decide to do, and why?
Scenario: You are a BCBA working with 8-year-old Jayden who engages in frequent disruption in his elementary school classroom. Youve conducted an FBA, determined the likely function of his behavior, and recently put an intervention plan in place that his caregivers and school personnel supported. After collecting baseline data, you trained school personnel on how to implement the intervention. Two days after beginning intervention, Jaydens parents tell you that they want to start giving their son folic acid to make him less irritable. They believe this supplement will help with Jaydens behavior at home and at school but are vague about what they think the specific effects might be. One of Jaydens friends just started taking it, and his parents noticed a huge improvement in his behavior! they tell you.
Link for “A Modeul for Ethical Decision Making” : https://kapextmediassl-a.akamaihd.net/artsSCi/Media/PS507/PS507_1803B/PS507_ModelforEthicialDecision/story_html5.html
BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE RESPONSE TO THE DISCUSSION PROMPT ABOVE; USE IT TO GAIN INFO AND FORMAT, BUT DO NOT COPY DIRECTLY:
Firstly, Im happy to hear folic acid has positive results for Jaydens friend. Regarding part 1 of the Model of Ethical Decision Making, what triggers my ethical radar for Jayden is, has the folic acid been thoroughly researched and backed by scientific evidence to specifically help with frequent disruption in a similar scenario? Is it behavior analytic in nature? Also, what are the positive and negative effects? Does Jayden have any allergies that could possibly conflict or aggravate him taking folic acid? The second concern that triggers my ethical radar is that the baseline data has already been taken and the intervention is two days in the works. By taking the folic acid it will likely cause disruption and alter the plan from its original form. The issue is not having clear evidence that folic acid will be beneficial to Jayden and adding folic acid after the intervention has already begun. Code 4.0 states that behavior analysts are responsible for the concept of the plan, implementation through discontinuation (BACB, 2014). With the parents adding folic acid in the mix, it could hinder the results the behavior analyst has set the stage to create, thus potentially producing a different outcome. This could delay his success and may even prolong it depending on the effects and if anything must be reversed. In the end the client is Jayden, and his parents seem to be the primary beneficiary. Its required to have the best interest of Jayden in mind and communicate that respectfully and efficiently to all involved. In this situation, I would share the scientific backed research on the intervention plan thats currently in place and strongly suggest we complete the intervention that has been designed and proven to support Jaydens specific needs. As a possible solution, I would address the parents on adding the folic acid now to get more information and ensure the highest levels of safety and effectiveness for Jayden.
Part 2 of the Ethical Decision Making Model begins with evaluating factors and solutions. Taking into accountability honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness, and compassion. Code 1.0 states that behavior analysts maintain high standards (BACB, 2014). This includes but not limited to, making scientific judgements, maintaining integrity and being truthful about the adding folic acid to the situation, and maintaining competence through professional development. With such a sensitive situation, its imperative to be compassionate to Jaydens parents and try to understand where they are coming from. In addition, its the BCBAs responsibility to be honest with the information they have and presenting it in a respectful manner. Tensions could arise if the parents are not open or receptive to the science backed behavior plan in place and insistent on adding folic acid now. Listening to their concerns and returning to them with finding results, in my opinion is fair, given the intervention already begun. Ideally a decision would be made to continue the intervention.
The last part of the Ethical Decision Making Model is part 3, to reflect upon the results. There can be a lot of what-ifs depending on Jaydens parents reactions. However, I feel the path I took to continue the intervention is the best solution for Jayden at this time. I do think its important that Jaydens parents feel listed to and know their opinion is valued and considered. A goal of mine would be to ensure Jaydens parents know that Jaydens best interest is at the forefront of mind and is also well received by the parents. The next step would be to investigate the folic acid and attain more information to present to Jaydens parents. There are always learning to be had in every situation and can depend on the people and environment you work in.
Resource:
Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2014). Professional and ethical compliance code for behavior analysts. Littleton, CO: Author.
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