In
the legal framework governing the guardianship of adults with intellectual
disabilities, the conflict between autonomy and guardianship primarily arises
from the evaluation of the individual’s decision-making capacity and the
corresponding handling of their rights. The “one-size-fits-all” provisions in
current laws often overlook the autonomy of adults with intellectual
disabilities in key areas of life such as healthcare, economic, education, and
social particiation. This leads to excessive intervention by guardians,
resulting in an imbalance and injustice in the protection of their personal and
property rights. To address this issue, legal reforms should be implemented to
ensure that adults with intellectual disabilities have decision-making and
participation rights. A decision-support system should be established to
provide necessary assistance while maximizing their right to make autonomous
choices. Furthermore, the state should intervene with appropriate public
authority and develop more detailed plans for safeguarding autonomy according
to different situations, thereby improving the guardianship system and ensuring
more comprehensive and balanced legal protection of the rights of adults with
intellectual disabilities.