Kristen is a BCBA who works in an early intervention program for children with autism. One of her clients is a 3-year-old girl named Alicia. Alicia has limited verbal skills and engages in aggressive behaviors, especially towards her baby brother. Alicia's parents are eager to have her begin communicating and have high concerns about her aggressive behaviors as it is impacting their daily lives. They have expressed interest in incorporating animal-assisted therapy into her intervention plan after hearing success stories from other parents that were anecdotal in nature.

Kristen is a strong advocate for evidence-based practice and is aware that the use of animal-assisted therapy in ABA is not considered a well-established evidence-based intervention for autism. While there is anecdotal evidence suggesting potential benefits, there is limited empirical research supporting its efficacy for addressing the specific goals of communication and behavior reduction that are crucial for Alicia's development. However, given the severity of the behaviors and the push from the parents Kristen decides it is best to go ahead with the intervention during a session with Alicia. She later reports to the parents that she implemented the animal-assisted therapy.

Step 1: Recognizing the Ethical Dilemma

What is the ethical dilemma?

Step 2: Gathering Information

What type of information is or should be gathered?

Step 3: Identifying Relevant Ethics Codes

What ethical codes are of concern?

Step 4: Consulting with Colleagues

Who should be consulted and collaborated with?

Step 5: Identifying Possible Courses of Action

Based on the code of ethics what course of action can be taken?

Step 6: Evaluating Consequences

Based on the code of ethics what are some consequences that the BCBA may be faced with?

Step 7: Making a Decision

What decision should be made based on the code of ethics?

Step 8: Implementing and Monitoring the Decision

What strategy could be implemented and how can it be monitored?