ABA asking for privacy support should help a person use an accessible message and make the environment respond. Privacy may involve conversations, personal care, dressing, devices, records, bedrooms, bathrooms, photos, visitors, or quiet time. Define who should leave, what stays private, and any immediate safety limit. Preserve AAC and choice, and measure partner follow-through alongside the person's communication.
Identify privacy contexts
Ask the person where privacy matters and what they want others to do. Use specific examples such as knock first, close the door, stop recording, do not read my screen, or ask before discussing my health.
Create an accessible message
Use speech, AAC, sign, text, a door marker, a privacy card, gesture, or another reliable form. Make the message available before sensitive situations and avoid requiring an explanation before honoring it.
Define safety limits narrowly
Some care or immediate safety situations may require a nearby qualified person. Explain the reason, who is present, what they can see or hear, and when privacy resumes. Seek less intrusive arrangements.
Use professional safeguards
The Ethics Code addresses confidentiality, dignity, involvement, assent when applicable, risk, and documentation. ASHA supports continuous AAC access. The CASP public summary supports individualized planning.
A practical example
Cleo has six personal-care opportunities and uses a privacy message in 5/6. Partners close the door and limit observers in 4/5. The report shows client communication 5/6 and partner follow-through 4/5, with the missed response reviewed.
Questions families can use
Which settings need privacy? What message works? Who must respond? Is consent required for photos or recording? What immediate safety limit applies? How quickly does privacy resume?
Sources
Finni resources
