Protecting Privacy of the Children in Early Intervention

Sharing Early Intervention Stories While Protecting Privacy: Ethical Reflection

As professionals who work closely with young children and families, our work is constantly enriched by our experiences. We are full of stories—moments of struggle, resilience, and growth. This leads to a question for anyone in our field: Is sharing these stories ethical?

I firmly believe it can be, but it demands an absolute commitment to protecting privacy. Ethical storytelling is paramount. I do not share their true identity, I generalize their common challenges, the story is told from my perspective, and I change key details to safeguard their anonymity.

My goal is to offer early intervention support and spread awareness, focusing on the message, not the specific details.

Telling the Story with Anonymity is Non-Negotiable

How do we convey the powerful reality of our work without betraying trust? Or violating HIPPA?

I cannot show pictures or use real names, but I can paint a picture of the challenges faced and solutions offered in the field of Early Intervention.

De-identification of Early Intervention Stories

De-identification allows professionals to share stories about children by removing or altering all Protected Health Information (PHI), protecting the child’s identity. De-identification can be done through a variety of ways.

• Anonymization: Direct identifiers like names, locations, and dates are removed or changed.
• Generalize the Specifics: Unique details are made vague. For example, a rare diagnosis is generalized to a developmental delay.
• Focus on Themes: The emphasis shifts from the child’s personal history to the professional’s experience and the lessons learned, like successful educational strategies.
• Create Composite Stories: Details from several children may be combined into one composite narrative to prevent any single real person from being identifiable, like the “Inspired by a True Story” technique.

Early Intervention Blog Posts Inspired by a True Story

I use the technique of telling “Inspired by A True Story” stories. Changing names, dates, and identifying details in a way that doesn’t take away from the purpose of the story allows me to focus on the broader themes of the story. What was their struggle? How did I help? How did we learn through play?

No specific details are shared that identify the child, their history, or uniqueness. Names are changed and the setting is altered. The goal is to raise awareness and educate without compromising privacy.

Promoting Early Intervention One Anonymous Story at a Time

My commitment to ethical storytelling requires continuous anonymization, focusing on broader themes told from my perspective, and engaging in constant ethical reflection.

By blending personal experience with ethical standards, I can offer lessons based on both lived experience and best practice.