Factitious Disorder by Proxy and the Abuse of a Child with Autism

Abstract

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.

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: Implications for Professional Practice in Relation to Children's Education

“…The authors do not discuss, however, the question of what part the fabrication of the boy's symptoms played in him being placed in a special school; nor do they state whether the appropriateness of the special school placement was reconsidered once the fabrication became known. Randall and Parker (1997) describe the case of a five-year-old boy whose mother had repeatedly sought medical attention for illness incidents: first of high temperature and then of breathing difficulties. Hospital staff observed the boy's robust health in the absence of his mother; and further investigation found clear evidence of fabrication.…”