Case study Ishmael uses a wheelchair. He has just finished school, and is applyi
ID: 128771 • Letter: C
Question
Case study
Ishmael uses a wheelchair. He has just finished school, and is applying for university courses. He hopes to study engineering. The application process is quite long and tedious. Ishmael starts to doubt his ability to get into the course. He is also worried about the practicalities of attending classes. He is not sure if all buildings will be wheelchair accessible. He is also concerned about making friends at the college if he does get in.
Ishmael’s support worker, Ali, notices Ishmael has been looking tired and pale. When Ishmael does not attend one of their meetings, he is worried about Ishmael and calls to check on him. He finds Ishmael lying in his bed at 2 pm. Ali tries talking positively about Ishmael’s course, and asking him questions to stimulate his interest. Ishmael does not want to talk.
When Ali visits Ishmael the next day, Ishmael is still lying in bed. He has not had a shower, and as far as Ali can see, he has not eaten.
When he checks the next day, Ishmael is lying in his bed, sweating. Ali checks his pulse, which is much faster than normal. Ali sees a bottle of empty medication next to Ishmael’s bed and suspects Ishmael may have overdosed on his medication. He calls emergency services. The ambulance arrives five minutes later, and Ishmael is taken to hospital. Ali rings his supervisor tp discuss and report the situation.
Identify positive behavioural support strategies used by Ali. How is what he does suitable for Ishmael but perhaps unsuitable for another individual person?
Why would aversive practices not worked in this situation? Provide an example.
Explanation / Answer
Identify positive behavioural support strategies used by Ali. How is what he does suitable for Ishmael but perhaps unsuitable for another individual person?
Ishmael is worried and anxious about the possibility of attending the engineering courses from the university. He is using a wheelchair for mobility and is concerned about how he will be welcomed and be accepted by the college mates. The change of place and uncertainty is making him extremely anxious about his survival over there.
Challenging behavioural can happen due to any reason. The challenging behaviour Ishmael showing is very much personal to him.
- Ali understands this and has approached him with a supportive and understanding manner. Ali tried to understand his change in behaviour by showing concern and care. He noticed his change in appearance and checked on him when he missed the meeting.
- Without criticising and advising, Ali tries to make positive talk about his future plans and study. By Understanding Ishmael's condition, he didn't push him to talk. He has given a constant support to Ishmael respecting his value and individuality.
The way how Ali deal with Ishmael, that is by giving constant support and space, keeping in regard of his emotional and mental state, assuming that he is maybe highly anxious and worried about his impaired mobility. The strategy used for Ishmael is different because another person challenge may not be due to the same reason what Ishmael is experiencing. For other behavioural issues, a positive environment can be stimulated and can encourage the person to talk and thus finds suitable solutions for the root problem. They may be required somebody to assist and aid their issue.
Based on keeping in mind the individuality and human rights, the type of behaviour strategy is used. Aversive, restrictive or intrusive treatment is decided based on that.
Why would aversive practices not work in this situation? Provide an example.
An aversive practice would not help in Ishmael's situation, as it will increase his agony more. Aversion is a practice where a person is treated with unpleasant stimulation or punishment to get the desired result.
for example, if Ali cut Ishmael's usual evening outing, or restrict his favourite book, Ishmael may be more distressed and depressed because he is already dealing with an unspoken agony of him. There is a chance that he may feel violated his rights. The aversion practice is not helping him instead, the threating or punishment will be considered as a buildup for him, where he may link this incidence with the coming incidence that he is assuming to be difficult.
According to Tasmanian services act 1992, the People with any disability have the right to subject to services with the least reasonable restriction of their rights and opportunities. Apart from this, the strategies should be designed and administered free from as much possible from any aversive, restrictive and intrusive treatment practices without violating the individuals right.