Last week I was given the green light by registered charity, CareTrade UK to include them in the Changing the Spectrum documentary.
Mark Finch, head of education and learning at CareTrade, which specialises in preparing young & unemployed autistic adults for employment, showed a real interest in the project and gave me permission to join the group on one of their "Autism Project" session dates.
It's something that I've been working towards throughout the duration of the documentary and I'm really pleased to have an excellent opportunity to get an insight into how young autistic adults are pushing themselves towards fulfilling their potential.
Upon reflecting on this opportunity, I've had some time to consider a potential ethical problem. As I have been given permission to speak to both staff and students at the Elephant and Castle centre, I have growing concerns around the publication of student voices.
None of the students are minors; "The Autism Project" strictly outlines on the site that the service is only available for those aged 18-25. The concerns I have however, lie in whether I would have to receive parental/guardian permission due to the nature of their condition.
The BBC editorial guidelines state that: "Young people and vulnerable adults may not always be in a position to give informed assent or consent. Vulnerable people include those with learning difficulties or forms of dementia, the bereaved, and people who are sick or terminally ill. In such cases, someone over 18 with primary responsibility for their care should normally give consent on their behalf, unless it is editorially justified to proceed without it. In particular, we should not ask someone who is unable to give their own consent for views on matters likely to be beyond their capacity to answer properly".
I believe I may be covered by the permission of Mark Finch, however I think it would put me in good stead to contact Mark again to ensure that the parents of the students will be comfortable in giving their consent to speak with me. Just to cover all bases.
More to follow.