Morality & Ethics with the "Pillow Angel"

[MTSUGURL]

A special needs student that I've worked with over the past year just passed away in September. Mentally she was about 6 months old, but was more mobile than Ashley - she wasn't bedridden and was able to attend school most of the time. She was nearly 18 but was the size of a six year old. What broke my heart was that she would have extremely painful periods that lasted anywhere from 1-2 months. If she were my child and I had the legal ability, I would have had the doctors do a hysterectomy to save her from the pain and the discomfort of having her period. I agree with this guy:
"This particular treatment, even if it's OK in this situation, and I think it probably is, is not a widespread solution and ignores the large social issues about caring for people with disabilities," Dr. Joel Frader, a medical ethicist at Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital, said Thursday. "As a society, we do a pretty rotten job of helping caregivers provide what's necessary for these patients."

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by MTSUGURL

A special needs student that I've worked with over the past year just passed away in September. Mentally she was about 6 months old, but was more mobile than Ashley - she wasn't bedridden and was able to attend school most of the time. She was nearly 18 but was the size of a six year old. What broke my heart was that she would have extremely painful periods that lasted anywhere from 1-2 months.

Forgive my but how does a child w/ the mental equiv. of a 6-month old attend school?

[MTSUGURL]

She was in the CDC class. We worked on things like colors, small motor skills, etc. There are laws that state that every child is guaranteed a free and appropriate education. Appropriate for her wasn't a typical classroom, but she did have the benefit of a social environment and a routine. This isn't abnormal - many of the children I work with in special ed classes are mentally on the level of infants or toddlers.

[DolphinChicaDDD]

Originally Posted by MTSUGURL

She's in the CDC class. We worked on things like colors, small motor skills, etc. There are laws that state that every child is guaranteed a free and appropriate education. Appropriate for her wasn't a typical classroom, but she did have the benefit of a social environment and a routine.

That is what I was just going to say. For special needs students, the age is upped to 21. There are various classes for special needs students, depending on the seriousness of their conditions. For example, at my high school we have a class for mild-moderate mentally retarded kids. I covered the class the other day and the lesson was on how to use a phone book. Its not the typical classroom, but it an education.

As far as the "Pillow Angel" is concered, I'm still debating it in my mind, and therefore will hold my comments until I get it all straight.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by MTSUGURL

She was in the CDC class. We worked on things like colors, small motor skills, etc. There are laws that state that every child is guaranteed a free and appropriate education. Appropriate for her wasn't a typical classroom, but she did have the benefit of a social environment and a routine. This isn't abnormal - many of the children I work with in special ed classes are mentally on the level of infants or toddlers.

Thanks. It is hard for me, even as a psychology student, to fathom working with someone at that level. Even a toddler seems simpler to work with (though a toddler with the strength of an 18 year old not so much i guess.) ETA: I caught that she was the size/strength of a six year old, I was just making a general comment
I knew it wasn't a regular classroom, but I wasn't sure what was available at that level. I'm glad those laws are in place.

[valkyrie]

I can't accept the proposition that she has to be small so they can move her and interact with her more than they could if she were larger. Instead of making her smaller, why wouldn't they concentrate on making themselves physically stronger?

[AlexMack]

Originally Posted by valkyrie

I can't accept the proposition that she has to be small so they can move her and interact with her more than they could if she were larger. Instead of making her smaller, why wouldn't they concentrate on making themselves physically stronger?

My guess is that she's a deadweight. As an EMT, I can sympathize.

[MTSUGURL]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Thanks. It is hard for me, even as a psychology student, to fathom working with someone at that level. Even a toddler seems simpler to work with (though a toddler with the strength of an 18 year old not so much i guess.)

I knew it wasn't a regular classroom, but I wasn't sure what was available at that level. I'm glad those laws are in place.

Actually in Keshia's case, she was the size of a 6 year old.
It sounds to me as though Ashley's parents are trying to do the majority of care for Ashley themselves - although unorthodox and NOT by any means something that should become standard, I understand their decision. I am surprised that it was allowed, but I understand it and am glad that they are actually caring for her. I see special needs children every day that are almost completely neglected or abused by their parents.

[RU OX Alum]

this is why you should need a licence to have children

[AlexMack]

Originally Posted by RU OX Alum

this is why you should need a licence to have children

Agreed. I'd probably fail my test too :P

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by MTSUGURL

It sounds to me as though Ashley's parents are trying to do the majority of care for Ashley themselves

Yes and they say they haven't found a care giver that suffices.

Ashley goes to a special school during the day though.

[MysticCat]

I heard an interview with Dr. Diekema, the ethicist at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle referred to in the article who was on the committee that approved the procedures. ("Dr. Douglas Diekema, an ethicist at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle, where Ashley was treated, said he met with the parents and became convinced they were motivated by love and the girl's best interests.")

He said much the same in the interview -- that he went in with many reservations, that he and the rest of the committee were very impressed with the care the parents gave Ashley, that the committee was convinced that the parents were motivated completely by Ashley's interests and not their own, and that the committee's decision was based on the circumstances of this particular case that might or might not be applicable in other cases.