Children with Disabilities

10.1. Case Study

An eighteen year old young man was denied hospital treatment on the basis that he was unable to understand the procedure, could not meaningfully consent and there were concerns about how his behaviour would be managed following the operation. The young man’s family with the support of an advocate challenged the decision on behalf of the young man. A symbol and picture communication book was produced by the advocate, detailing every stage of the operation. This meant that that the young man could give meaningful consent and understand what would happen immediately after the operation. A High Court finally ruled that the operation should go ahead. (Source: The Children’s Society, as cited by Gov.uk, July 2009)