When is assent sought in pediatric care?

• A. Only if parent requests it
• B. Never, children cannot consent
• C. As feasible, in addition to parental consent
• D. After the procedure

Answer: (C)

Assent from pediatric patients is sought as part of honoring their developing autonomy and involving them in their own care. While a parent or guardian provides legal consent, asking the child for assent means presenting information in age-appropriate terms and inviting a voluntary agreement to the plan. This is done whenever feasible and appropriate to the child’s level of understanding, and it complements parental consent rather than replacing it.

In practice, clinicians explain what will be done, why it’s needed, and what the child can expect, then gauge the child’s willingness to proceed. For younger children, assent may be a simple acknowledgment or a brief affirmative response; for older children and adolescents, it involves more detailed discussion and the opportunity to ask questions. If a child cannot meaningfully assent due to developmental limitations, caregivers still involve them as much as possible in a developmentally suitable way, while the final decision rests with the parents and the medical team. Documentation of the assent process is also important.

So, assent is sought when feasible, in addition to parental consent.