title: From interdisciplinary to integrated care of the child with autism: the essential role for a code of ethics.
abstract: To address the developmental deficits of children with autism, several disciplines have come to the forefront within intervention programs. These are speech-pathologists, psychologists/counselors, occupational-therapists/physical-therapists, special-education consultants, behavior analysts, and physicians/medical personnel. As the field of autism therapy moves toward a more comprehensive, holistic and interdisciplinary model, the complexity of an interdisciplinary service delivery model could pose significant challenges. The difficulty of carrying out this approach could lead to sub-par programs being established. With integration among the disciplines a necessity, the ethical principles and language common to all the contributing disciplines is argued as the appropriate integrating force. An outline of these principles and a draft code of ethics are offered to introduce high standards and expectations for all participating in such a program.
authors.affiliation: STE Consultants, LLC, Berkeley, CA, USA. cox.david.j@gmail.com
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Cox
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D032781:Codes of Ethics; D004519:Education, Special / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000941:ethics*