Person-Centered Care
Person-centered care for individuals with Profound Autism is especially critical because this is a highly vulnerable population. Profound Autism involves significant challenges with communication, making it harder for individuals to express their wants and needs. Person-centered care means looking beyond the diagnosis to understand each person as an individual, respecting their dignity, and tailoring supports to their unique strengths, preferences, and circumstances. Because Profoundly Autistic people are rarely able to advocate for themselves directly, it requires careful listening, close observation, and collaboration with families and caregivers to ensure that care decisions truly reflect what is best for the individual and promote their quality of life.
Glossary of Terms Related to Person-Centered Care
Assent – Seeking agreement or willingness from an individual to participate in an activity, intervention, or care plan, emphasizing respect for their preferences and comfort.
Assent Withdrawal – Recognizing and honoring when an individual communicates discomfort, refusal, or lack of willingness to participate, even after previously giving assent.
Respect and Dignity – Treating each person as valuable and worthy, acknowledging their individuality, rights, and inherent worth regardless of abilities or challenges.
Individualized Planning – Tailoring supports, teaching strategies, and environments to meet the unique strengths, needs, and preferences of each person.
Choice – Providing opportunities for individuals to make decisions about their own care, activities, or routines whenever possible, supporting autonomy and agency.
Holistic Approach – Considering the whole person, including physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs, rather than focusing solely on diagnosis or deficits.
Communication Accessibility – Ensuring individuals can express preferences, needs, and feedback using all available methods, including verbal, nonverbal, or assistive communication systems.
Adaptation of Supports – Adjusting interventions, environments, and strategies to match the abilities, preferences, and needs of the individual.
Strengths-Based Focus – Emphasizing abilities, talents, and potential rather than limitations, and building supports around these strengths.
Person-Centered Planning / Goal-Setting – Creating long-term goals that incorporate the individual’s preferences, interests, and quality of life, ensuring that outcomes are meaningful to them.
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