A 34-year-old man named Sean whom I met during clinical practice placement. He resided in Dublin, where he lived in a self-contained: Ethics in Nursing Assignment, DCU, Ireland

A 34-year-old man named Sean whom I met during clinical practice placement. He resided in Dublin, where he lived in a self-contained apartment connected with other housing units dedicated to people with intellectual disabilities. Sean is a service user with a moderate intellectual disability and Autistic spectrum disorder. He exhibited behaviors that challenge him; he had stopped getting along with his peers and some staff members. Sometimes Sean could become physically aggressive and would throw items/belongings at doors, walls, etc.

He also engages in self-injurious behavior sometimes. E.g., Biting and hitting himself repeatedly. Sean had been assessed and reviewed by psychologists and psychiatrists a number of times. The organization with whom he resided suggested the use of clinical intervention, (medication) when Sean behaved in this way, but his family raised objections in this regard. A positive behavioral support plan (BBSP) was put in place, but it was never implemented effectively.

Eventually, Sean was allowed to live alone based on the complaints raised by other families who were concerned about their own family members and their safety. At this point, Sean’s family considered taking him back to live with them, however, they are elderly and were afraid that they would be unable to support his daily needs.