Yvette is a newly registered behavior technician (RBT) who has recently started shadowing Cindy, a veteran board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) who has been employed at the Best Behaviors Clinic for 15 years. Yvette accompanies the BCBA on a home visit. The client is Jack, a 10-year-old boy diagnosed with autism. He also has several life-threatening food allergies. Yvette notices as they enter the home that the BCBA embraces Jack’s two younger siblings and his parents. As the family is cooking dinner, Cindy is invited to join them in the kitchen, which she does. She asks Yvette to go meet with Jack in the other room. The BCBA chats casually with Jack’s parents, seemingly updating them on her son’s recent soccer win and her wife’s new job. Cindy finally gets around to asking about how the family has been following Jack’s behavior intervention plan. His parents share that Jack has been stealing food that he is allergic to and becomes aggressive when he is not allowed to have it. The RBT notices that half the time for the home visit passes before the BCBA joins her in the other room with the client. The visit is concluded without the BCBA making any notes, and no paperwork is immediately completed. Yvette later comments to her RBT colleagues at the clinic that she felt very out of her depth working with a client with problem eating behaviors, as she has no prior experience. She also commented on the BCBA’s casual behavior with the family.

– In this case, list at least three ethical considerations and one legal concern.

– List the APA Ethical Codes that are applicable and explain why.
– Explain what specific action needs to be taken and why.
– Explain observational learning and how it applies to this situation.
– Analyze how one’s personal experience could influenced one’s viewpoint on this case study.

ANSWER

Ethical Considerations in Behavior Therapy: A Case Analysis

Introduction

The scenario involving Yvette, a newly registered behavior technician (RBT), and Cindy, a veteran board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), raises several ethical and legal concerns within the context of working with a client diagnosed with autism and life-threatening food allergies. This essay addresses the ethical considerations and legal concerns, identifies applicable APA Ethical Codes, suggests specific actions, explores observational learning, and analyzes the impact of personal experience on one’s viewpoint in this case.

Ethical Considerations and Legal Concern

Client Welfare: Ensuring the well-being of the client is paramount. The client’s food allergies and problem eating behaviors pose immediate risks to his health and safety.

Competence: Yvette’s admission of feeling unprepared and out of her depth signals a potential lack of competence to effectively manage the client’s behaviors and allergies.

Documentation: Failure to complete notes and paperwork immediately following the visit raises concerns about the accuracy and completeness of documentation.

Legal Concern

Negligence: The potential risk of harm to the client due to his allergies, coupled with inadequate supervision and treatment, raises concerns of negligence and possible legal liability.

APA Ethical Codes and Applicability

Code 2.01 – Boundaries of Competence: This code addresses Yvette’s concern about her lack of experience. Both Yvette and Cindy should work within the scope of their competence and seek supervision when required.

Code 2.03 – Maintaining Competence: This code highlights the responsibility to maintain competence through ongoing education and professional development.

Code 2.09 – Assessing Student and Supervisee Performance: This code applies to Cindy’s supervision of Yvette and her responsibility to provide adequate training and support.

Specific Actions Needed: Cindy should

Provide proper supervision and guidance to Yvette.

Ensure that Yvette is adequately trained to address the client’s food allergies and behavior concerns.

Document the visit accurately and immediately.

Observational Learning: Observational learning, a concept by Albert Bandura, involves learning through observing others’ behaviors and the consequences they face. In this situation, Yvette may learn from observing Cindy’s behavior with the family and client, gaining insights into effective interactions and strategies.

Personal Experience’s Influence: Personal experience plays a significant role in shaping one’s viewpoint. Yvette’s lack of experience in dealing with clients with food allergies influences her sense of unpreparedness. Similarly, Cindy’s 15 years of experience might lead her to approach situations more casually, assuming competence in dealing with complex cases.

Conclusion

The case study highlights crucial ethical considerations and a legal concern in behavior therapy involving a client with autism and life-threatening allergies. Adhering to APA Ethical Codes, ensuring competence, proper supervision, and accurate documentation are essential. Observational learning can enhance Yvette’s professional development, while personal experience shapes perspectives. It is imperative that professionals prioritize client welfare and demonstrate competency to provide effective and ethical behavior therapy.