Assent and Consent Policy

Important policies we strictly enforce

1. We will NOT work on reducing any self-stimulatory behavior unless harmful to the child or people around them. Research has shown self-stimulatory behavior is used for self regulation.

2. No eye contact goals. Current research shows this can be detrimental to an autistic individual. Other goals for joint attention and responding to others will be worked on in replacement of eye contact goals.

3. Behavior is a form of communication and will NOT be ignored by staff. Individuals will be comforted and taught coping skills along with communication to ensure dangerous behaviors are reduced without ignoring a child’s bid for connection.

4. Prior to every session we ensure the child is Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged (HRE). Staff will only teach during times of HRE.

5. All basic human needs are honored non-contingently and will never be withheld.

What is Consent?

Legally and ethically required 

What is Assent?

Expression of approval or agreement by someone not legally able to give consent

What Does Assent Look Like?

• Can be given vocally/verbally 

• Can be given in contract form 

• Can be given using behaviors

• Can be revoked at any time without penalty

• Entering the workspace without coercion or promptingg

• Orientating body toward work without coercion or
  prompting

• Engaging with materials without coercion or prompting

• Saying “yes” in their preferred format when asked if they want to do or continue an activity

• OR

• Come to a task WILLINGLY

• Participate in learning interactions WITHOUT coercion

What Does Lack of Assent Look Like?

• Entering the workspace only with coercion or force

• Flopping to the ground or screaming when nearing materials

• Destroying materials

• Throwing or removing materials from the workspace

• Eloping or attempting to elope from workspace

• Crying

• Moving away from the clinician

• Avoiding interaction

• Moving body away when clinician offers a physical prompt

• Saying “no” or “stop” in their preferred format at any point during instruction

• Saying “no” or “stop” in their preferred format when asked if they want to do or continue an activity

• Does not respond or stops responding during instruction

• Sits still/does not move when clinician is physically prompting, touches, or is in very close proximity to the client

• OR 

• Avoid team

• Avoid coming to tasks

• Leave/try to leave during a task

• Participate far below their ability