Comments on: A Christmas Story

By: Massachusetts Considers Bill about Shock Treatment at the JRC

Massachusetts Considers Bill about Shock Treatment at the JRC — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:01:23 +0000

[...] telephoned in and ordered shocks on a student still at the center. Some parents have spoken in support of the school as “saving the life” of their children, some of whom have autism, mental retardation, [...]

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:32:38 +0000

Thank you for writing about all of these----I hope Connor is in a good school now. I remember reading about the hearing in CT---I've my own interest in the issue of restraints as I wrote in my post. The incident of the prank phone call seemed, to me, to point to severe administrative and supervisory lapses at the JRC----- I've signed Derrick Jeffries' letter and encourage many more to do so. More links to online articles about the JRC are here (also in the comments). Thank you. Very best wishes

By: Angela Spino

Angela Spino — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:29:57 +0000

I work for the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities as well as a parent of a 10 year old boy with autism.My son used to attend a “private” (segregate)school in Hartford where I “used” to work…he was restrained six times for non-emergency situations.When I work there, I to had to restrain children…regardless if I believed if it was benefiting the child or not.Half of the children that were restrained at the River Street Autism Program in Hartford that is run by CREC,didn’t need to be restrained they just needed a break or a better ABA therapist who had patience.
I testified last year at a hearing sponsored by P&A with other families that were willing to tell their stories…it can be seen on CTN from 12/13/06.I also helped pass a new law in CT on the Use of Restraints and Seclusions in Schools that went into effect 10/1/07.Its not the best piece of legislation,but its a start.
I also toured JRC back in the summer and spent 4 1/2 hours there acting like a parent who wanted to place her child with autism…It was the hardest thing I ever did in my life.To walk around the school and observe the individuals there (6-45yearsold)Some people were just left there to die….I mean to watch how the clients would walk in fear, and how anxious they got when someone near them received “the application”.I mean prisoners who have committed haneas crimes have MORE rights then these individuals.I think its hard enough on our kids who have a disability like autism, then on top of it be non-verbal and then someone sticks you in a place like JRC and you sit there and think to myself….wasn’t I punished enough…now electric shock.
I would like to know how many parents who have placed their child/young adult there have asked to feel “the application” because I did.And when I asked if most parents feel the “application”before they place their child, the answer was NO!!!! How sickening.
Just recently there was an article in the Boston Globe and a few other places on the Prank Call, that had staff administer 77 shocks in the course of 3 hours to a student that was sleeping and ended up in the hospital with third degree burns, and another student received aabout 45 the same night in 3 hours because of a prank call,So JRC may have the best technology around,but accidents like this are NOT fair to these individuals.
Look at the Mother Jones magazine article on School of Shock….or Mouth Magazine, or the September 25th Long Island Business News (I was quoted in there as well).
My point being….I have been there, I have seen how these indivisuals are treated and it has been going on for over 35 years….its time to STOP THE ABUSE!!!
I recently emailed a letter around from Derrick Jeffries asking to sign on to a Letter to APA to stop funding for JRC.
Anyone interested in more info and/or contacting me…feel free.
Thanks,Connors Mom

By: Autism Vox

Autism Vox — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 18:50:08 +0000

[...] other “challenging” behaviors. The December 25th New York Times reported on some parents who defend the use of this type of “therapy” and About.com asked if such “aversive therapy” is a “tool for good or [...]

By: Working Dad

Working Dad — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 19:31:11 +0000

Kristina, This is a fantastic piece of writing. I hope you are having a great holiday season, and please keep posting. You are one of the best out there.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:48:25 +0000

Totally!

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:00:43 +0000

I was raised by the use of aversives, they do work, but they do leave a lasting impression upon a person.

While spanking and yelling and other types of hitting ones child may produce a more normal acting child, those things promote Fear of the discipline giver.

I cannot say that their techniques are not effective, but I can say that using Fear to instantiate good behavior leaves psychological marks and bruises.

By: Rose

Rose — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 17:03:20 +0000

You mean this happy dance??
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dxYNUu_2egM

Forgive me, I’m kind of an opportunist…

By: Christmas in California, at the cemetery, in Chinatown, with Charlie

Christmas in California, at the cemetery, in Chinatown, with Charlie — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:17:33 +0000

[...] great-grandchildren. My father had Charlie give Ngin-Ngin a Christmas hong bao and he did so with another round of “We wish you a Merry Christmas.” Ngin-Ngin was seated right in the center of the [...]

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 07:08:52 +0000

That says it all and then some—hoping you and your family had a wonderful day.

A letter by Martha Ziegler of Somerville, MA, in the Boston Globe:

ISN’T IT TIME we in Massachusetts ask ourselves why we are the only state in the nation that continues to certify an inhumane program like the Judge Rotenberg Center (”A shocking error in treatment,” editorial, Dec. 21)? What do others know that we do not or that we choose to ignore?

As a parent and advocate in Massachusetts for 35 years, I know the Commonwealth is full of teachers, therapists, other service providers, and researchers who have a deep understanding of autism and how to help our citizens on the autism spectrum. While they may differ in their approaches or emphasis, they all know how to help without applying cruel punishment.

It is time for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to bring our autism services into the 21st century and put a final end to the outmoded, disproven cruelty that has gone on far too long.