Problem:
Respond to Maria in 150 and include a question about her post "During the first intake meeting with a 10th-grade student who is fully verbal and working on social skills, I would start the conversation by speaking directly to the student while also including the parents. Therapeutic assent means ensuring the client understands the services and willingly agrees to participate, even when parents provide legal consent (Flowers & Dawes, 2023). I would explain the purpose of therapy in clear and respectful language. For example, I might say: "I want to talk with you about what we will be working on together. The goal of our sessions is to help with social skills such as conversation, friendship, and communication at school. We may practice things like role-playing conversations or problem-solving in social situations. Your parents and I think these skills may help you as you prepare for college or a job after high school."
Next, I would explain the importance of volunteering and ask for their opinion. I might say, "Your thoughts matter. If something we do feels uncomfortable or you want to take a break, you can tell me. Do you feel okay about trying these activities with me?" This approach supports the client's dignity and autonomy. According to Flowers and Dawes (2023), gaining assent involves explaining the services, discussing possible benefits and risks, and ensuring the client understands they have a voice in the process.
For a younger, elementary-age client who is nonverbal and working on functional communication skills, the assent conversation would look different because the child cannot provide verbal consent. I would focus on observing behavior and using simple communication supports. During the intake meeting with the parents present, I might introduce myself to the child with preferred toys or activities. I would explain to the parents that we will watch the child's behavior to determine if they are comfortable participating.
For example, I might say: "Today, we want to see how your child responds to different activities. If they move toward the activity, engage with the materials, or communicate interest, this can indicate assent. If they turn away, cry, or push materials away, that may show they do not want to participate. "The goal would be to give the child choices using pictures, gestures, or communication devices. Assent in this situation means respecting both verbal and nonverbal communication and allowing the child to indicate willingness to participate (Flowers & Dawes, 2023).
Using these strategies ensures that both clients are treated with dignity and respect and meaningfully involved in their treatment. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Flowers, J., & Dawes, J. (2023). Dignity and respect: Why therapeutic assent matters. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 16(4), 913-920. "