Comments on: Handcuffed

By: Kimberly Devine-Brink

Kimberly Devine-Brink — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:30:07 +0000

Both of my sons are PDD-NOS, but Aiden is the one who reacts physically when he gets overwhelmed. When he was seven, I got a phone call at work from the police that they were going to “Baker Act” him due to an outburst on a field trip. I was able to talk them into waiting until I got there.
Why is it so difficult for other people to see the build up of these melt downs, or to know that certain things are triggering the reaction? If a child is responding to overwhelming sensory stimulation, then restraining the child will cause a much more violent reaction. It would be like handcuffing an individual that was suffering from a severe attack of claustrophobia. The child could have dislocated his own shoulder.
This is not only the child’s problem. Right before Aiden’s 7th b-day, I was picking him up from school 3x a week due to either a physical altercation or he had ran out of the classroom. Now, a year and a half later, I’ve received one phone call all year that he had ran out of class, no physical violence. The difference is that the last school year began with a new Vice Principal and Guidance Counselor. They have paid attention and worked with him in school, and now, after a year, he is doing work and learning.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:47:34 +0000

The officer who handcuffed Heath Burk has been cleared of charges, as reported by MSCBC today.

By: farmwifetwo

farmwifetwo — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:56:02 +0000

I do have a question since we have worked and worked and worked and at 9 still work, to deal with my eldest behaviours and therefore he is easily mainstreamed into the school system. The worst is at home, but he’s learned, head slam, throw or trash stuff, tv, computer, DS etc… all gone.. for HOURS.

Why is it ok for a child with autism to terrorize others?? My SIL’s school where she teaches had one removed this spring to a special class b/c he terrorized the children in his Gr 3 class – they ahd to be taken out of class so he could destroy things b/c they couldn’t get him out of it – Temple Grandin says in her talks that, that behaviour is not appropriate and should be taught that it isn’t appropriate.

If you can teach an NT 2 to 4 yr old appropriate behaviour… you can teach one with ASD.

It just takes more work.

My severe one, has assaulted ONE (ABA Therapist) in 7yrs. Why?? B/c it was fight or flight and since it was his home, opted to fight. Then I got rid of them. Otherwise, as I spoke to his teacher yesterday morning (full inclusion, regular classroom, full support)… he’s a full, contributing, and well liked, member of their classroom. Never harmed anyone.

By: Mrs. C

Mrs. C — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:04:05 +0000

Please keep bringing stories like this to everyone’s attention!! Thanks for posting this.