Factitious disorder by proxy and the abuse of a child with Autism

Authors: Randall, P. and Parker, J.

Journal: Educational Psychology in Practice

Volume: 13

Issue: 1

Pages: 39-45

eISSN: 1469-5839

ISSN: 0266-7363

DOI: 10.1080/0266736970130108

Abstract:

Summary: This paper presents a case study of a child with autism as the victim of a devious form of abuse, factitious disorder by proxy, in which a primary carer sought to gain vicarious gratification through medical services by fabricating symptoms in the victim. The paper introduces this disorder as parasitic upon vulnerable victims with autism and reviews the prospects for intervention. Comment is made that educational psychologists (EPs) should be aware of this rare form of abuse of children with very poor communications skills. © 1997, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Source: Scopus