DISCUSSION

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) occurs most frequently among persons with severe intellectual disability (ID) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Please read the following scenario:

You are working as a behavior analyst and are referred a seven-year-old boy with ASD (Level 3 severity), who is engaging in repetitive head banging to the point where he has required medical treatment.

Post by Day 3: Explain whether you believe aversives should be used in the treatment of SIB. Justify your rationale by explaining ethical issues regarding the use of a behavior management approach that includes aversives. Cite specific aspects of ethical codes (e.g., ABAI, APA) in justifying your conclusion as to the use of aversives in the treatment of SIB.