There are several excellent efforts afoot to put the brakes on places like the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton that use aversive techniques. I am contemplating a petition of my own, that would specifically address the JRC and go to my Governor and Board of Education, and to the public hearing on January 16 (see below). More to come on this in upcoming days.<\/p>\n
Several different Massachusetts state senators and representatives have filed bills like the following. Hearings are January 16 at the State House, I believe. I borrowed the information below from the ARC of Massachusetts website<\/a>, an excellent resource for this issue and much more.<\/p>\n Furthermore, a reader pointed me to a letter that has been circulating since November (thanks, Christine!) Many, including parents, self-advocates, and professionals, have signed. I just asked that my name be added. This letter, begun by Derrick Jeffries (derrick_jeffries@bestmail.us<\/span>) is intended to go before the APA, American Psychological Association, in order to pave the way for ending the use of aversives as an educational tool everywhere. If you email Derrick with the subject line “sign onto the APA letter,” your name will be added to the list.<\/p>\n PLEASE CONSIDER SIGNING ONTO THE LETTER BELOW!!<\/span><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n A Call for Ethical and Unprejudiced Leadership and Practice in the Field An Autism & Mental Health Community Letter<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n October 10, 2007<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n This letter is to the American Psychological Association (hereafter referred to as APA), and to all professionals in the field of psychology. This letter calls upon APA and professionals who adhere to the APA Code of Ethics to act in a manner that is ethical and consistent with that Code of Ethics. Two recent APA documents are relevant to this call to action. They are, the 2006 \u201cResolution Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, and Degrading Treatment or punishment\u201d<\/em> (hereafter referred to as 2006 Resolution), and the 2007 \u201cReaffirmation of the American Psychological Association Position Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment\u201d<\/em> and Its Application to Individuals Defined in the United States Code as \u201cEnemy Combatants\u201d”<\/em> (hereafter referred to as 2007 Resolution). With fervor, we are advocating for people with autism, developmental differences, and mental health challenges; urgently entreating that they may be given the same respect with regard to human rights as alleged \u201cEnemy Combatants,\u201d<\/em> or any other human beings. As professionals who adhere to the APA Code of Ethics, nothing less than an unprejudiced stance in this matter should be considered acceptable.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \n Currently, children and young adults with autism, developmental differences, and mental health challenges are being treated in a manner that clearly meets the definition of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, and Degrading Treatment or Punishment, as defined by the two previously mentioned APA documents. The Judge Rotenberg Educational Center (hereafter referred to as JRC) in Massachusetts has a long history of using electric shock, food deprivation and prolonged mechanical restraint, as well as other painful and dehumanizing aversive techniques.<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \n The use of the phrase \u201ceffective treatment,\u201d<\/em> does not make such techniques humane or acceptable. Furthermore, attempting to justify them as \u201ctreatments\u201d <\/em>of \u201clast resort\u201d<\/em> may not be completely accurate. It has been clearly demonstrated that positive behavioral approaches, based on a careful analysis of the functions dangerous or disruptive behaviors may be serving are as effective and more enduring than behavior change techniques based on pain and fear. <\/em>JRC uses a device that they call the Graduated Electronic Decelerator (GED), to deliver painful electric shocks<\/em>. Reporters, legislators and others who have experienced the 2-second shock<\/em> from this device describe it as incredibly painful<\/em>. A report from the New York State Educational Department noted that JRC was not only using electric shock for dangerous and self-injurious behaviors but also for behaviors that are benign or idiosyncratic such as \u201cnagging, swearing and failure to maintain a neat appearance,\u201d or \u201cslouching in a chair.\u201d<\/em> The director of the Judge Rotenberg Center testified at a legislative hearing that one student received 5,300 electric shocks in one day<\/em>. In his testimony, he stated that over a 24-hour period, this student, a teenager who weighed only 52 pounds, was subjected to an average of one shock every 16 seconds. During some periods, the student was automatically shocked every second if he lifted his hand off a paddle.<\/em> A copy of the New York State Report can be found HERE: http:\/\/boston.com\/news\/daily\/15\/school_report.pdf<\/a><\/span><\/\nu> and a myriad of additional information on the school and its practices can be found by googling the Judge Rotenberg Center.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \n Proponents of behaviorism have voiced their opposition to these practices. Although the Director of the Judge Rotenberg Center often defends his practices by stating that he was trained by B. F. Skinner,<\/em> Dr. Skinner made it very clear that he did not condone such practices. At the age of 83, he was interviewed by Daniel Goleman of the New York Times. In an article published August 25th<\/sup>, 1987, titled, \u201cEmbattled Giant Of Psychology Speaks His Mind,\u201d<\/em> B. F. Skinner\u2019s view is stated as\u2013\u201cThe use of punishment is another issue Dr. Skinner still feels impassioned about. He is an ardent opponent of the use of punishment<\/u>, such as spanking, or using \u201daversives\u201d -such as pinches and shocks – with autistic children. \u201dWhat\u2019s wrong with punishments is that they work immediately, but give no long-term results,\u201d Dr. Skinner said. \u201dThe responses to punishment are either the urge to escape, to counterattack or a stubborn apathy. These are the bad effects you get in prisons or schools, or wherever punishments are used.\u201d <\/em>The complete article can be viewed HERE<\/a>:<\/span><\/strong> http:\/\/query.nytimes.com\/gst\/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE3D6143CF936A1575BC0A961948260&sec;=health&spon;=&pagewanted;=print<\/a><\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \n The 1965 experimental research of O. Ivar Lovaas, Benson Schaeffer, and James Q. Simmons, conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, concluded that electric shock applications did not have enduring effectiveness.<\/em> In conclusion, they questioned the need for shocking children with Autism by stating, \u201cA basic question, then, is whether it is necessary to employ shock in accomplishing such an end or whether less drastic methods might suffice<\/em>.\u201d (Journal Of Experimental Research in Personality 1, 99-109 (1965))<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \n A recent Mother Jones article about this institution began like this, \u201cRob Santana awoke terrified. He\u2019d had that dream again, the one where silver wires ran under his shirt and into his pants, connecting to electrodes attached to his limbs and torso. Adults armed with surveillance cameras and remote-control activators watched his every move. One press of a button, and there was no telling where the shock would hit\u2014his arm or leg or, worse, his stomach. All Rob knew was that the pain would be intense<\/em>.\u201d(Mother Jones, August 20, 2007<\/a>).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \n A horror from the Abu Ghraib prison scandal? No, torture carried out in the name of treatment, right here in the State of Massachusetts, against the most vulnerable of our young people \u2014 and designed and implemented by Psychologists.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \n It is additionally noted that programs that are built around scientific knowledge and principles will generally welcome peer review and a continual improvement process. Currently and historically, JRC practices are remarkably deficient in these areas. As leaders in the field of psychology, and as professionals who are intolerant of torture, APA has an opportunity, if not an obligation, to demonstrate leadership in this matter. Please consider the following facts and arguments. Section 1 of the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics<\/em>, creates a standard of excellence in regards to the personal accountability<\/em> of psychologists to their Code of Ethics<\/em>. It also establishes a means for resolving professional ethical issues between psychologists and with organizations with which Psychologists may be affiliated.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \n Sub-Section 1.05 of the Code of Ethics covers the topic of Reporting Ethical Violations<\/em>. This sub-section related to reporting, places a grave responsibility upon APA members to report apparent ethical violations that have \u201csubstantially harmed or are likely to substantially harm a person or organization<\/span>.\u201d This reporting \u201cmay include referral to state or national committees on professional ethics, to state licensing boards, or to the appropriate institutional authorities<\/span>.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \n Within the 2007 Reaffirmation, reference is made to the 2006 Resolution<\/em>, stating emphatically that it is \u201ca comprehensive and foundational position applicable to all individuals, in all settings and in all contexts without exception<\/em>.\u201d We are in agreement with this position.<\/span><\/strong> We are pleading with APA psychologists, and all psychologists who independently and voluntarily follow the APA Code of Ethics, to consider that the 2006 Resolution is inclusive of all human beings<\/em>. We ask that it be applied toward those who are receiving treatment\/services related to symptoms associated with autism, developmental differences, and mental health challenges, including such that may cause or contribute to self-injurious behavior.<\/em> This letter is an earnest appeal to APA leadership and all professionals in the field of psychology to demonstrate ethical practices and adhere to the principles of the 2006 Resolution and the 2007 Reaffirmation in opposing the use of skin-shock and food deprivation that are currently being administered as \u201ctreatment\u201d for self-injurious behavior, aggressive behavior, and other behaviors that are being considered as precursors. Skin-shock or food deprivation under any other context, or being administered to any other population segment would be considered an inhumane form of punishment that in reality is truly torture. According to the 2006 Resolution, there can be no exception for this type of degrading treatment.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Although there are some children and young adults who are able to communicate how they have been \u201csubstantially harmed by a person or organization,\u201d<\/em> there are many others who are unable to do so. Even those young people with the ability to communicate how they are being harmed are virtually unheard<\/em>. Regardless of the individual\u2019s ability to communicate and describe torture and its physical, mental and emotional effect upon them, this type of \u201ctreatment,<\/em>\u201d is still inherently wrong. Is it not the r At the JRC this \u201ctreatment\u201d is being authorized under court order.<\/span><\/em><\/strong> While Judges<\/em> may have extensive expertise within the framework of law, they are reliant upon the testimony of experts (in these cases, Psychologists) to assist them in making decisions. <\/em> Experts within the field of psychology need to see an example of leadership from organizations such as APA. Good leadership provides guidance and constraints in all areas that are conducive to professionalism and best practices.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n In conclusion, we are respectfully appealing to APA members and leadership on the basis of professionalism and unprejudiced application of your own code of ethics, and consistent with your 2006 Resolution and 2007 Reaffirmation, to formally and specifically declare your position regarding the use of skin-shock \u201ctreatments,\u201d food deprivation, and any other aversives that inflict pain or deprive basic human rights at JRC or elsewhere. We are calling upon APA members to apply the Code which condemns the treatment that is currently taking place at JRC.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n We respectfully request that the APA send this letter to its members, post it on their website and\/or publish it in a newsletter or other publication that reaches its full membership. We request that the APA as a professional organization, and as professional individuals actively and vociferously advocate for best practices while opposing that which is torture. We furthermore request that the APA, as an organization, make a formal and specific declaration of its stance in this matter and exercise appropriate discipline, thereby demonstrating that the Code of Ethics will be applied without prejudice. Your example in this will be a voice of hope for those who have been locked away, subjected to daily torture and unseen and unheard for too long.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \n Written and Presented by: Derrick Jeffries (Person with Asperger\u2019s Syndrome) and Nancy Weiss<\/span><\/strong> (Co-Director, The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, Center for Disabilities Studies, University of Delaware)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The following individuals and organizations endorse this message:<\/span><\/strong> 2. Stephen Drake,Research Analyst 3. Not Dead Yet, Advocacy Organization 4. Suzanne M. Swindell, M.S.Ed. 5. Lori Noto, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT<\/p>\n 6. Strengthening Our System, Inc., Human Services Agency 7. Rita B. Thuot, Director 8. Mary C. Cerreto, Ph.D.<\/p>\n 9. APA Member, Associate Professor of Family Medicine 10. Douglas Biklen,Dean and Professor 11. Debbie Gilmer, M.Ed.,Associate Director 12. Kim McConaughy M.S., Behavior Analyst 13. Debra Rezendes,Virginia Tech Autism Clinic<\/p>\n 14. Amy Wrenn<\/p>\n 15. Greg Scott<\/p>\n 16. Kate Dempsey<\/span><\/p>\n 17. Tonda S. Stillwell 18. Diane Coleman, President 19. Linda M. Bambara, Ed.D. 20. Timothy P. Knoster Ed.D.<\/p>\n 21. Colleen Horton, Parent 22. Sheila Collector, Behavior Specialist 23. Sondra Williams, Person with Autism, Parent 24. Susan Fitzmaurice, Parent, Disability Advocate 25. Teddy Fitzmaurice, Self-Advocate, Person with Down Syndrome 26. Lou Brown, Professor Emeritus 27. Howard Renensland, Concerned Citizen<\/p>\n 28. Cheryl Trommater, Advocate<\/p>\n 29. Alison Hymes<\/span><\/strong>, M.S. 30. Adapt Montana 31. Not Dead Yet, Montana 32. Marsha Katz, Person with a Disability, Family Member, Concerned Citizen 33. Kitsune J Scott, Concerned Citizen 34. Mike Stanton, Parent, Member of the National Autistic Society 35. Mary Johnson, Disability Rights Advocate, Author of Disability Rights Books
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\nesponsibility of a professional or any human being to take action when they are personally aware of acts that are inhumane and degrading forms of torture?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
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1. Bernard Cooney, Ph.D.,Assistant Professor Sp. Ed.
Le Moyne College, Education Department, Syracuse, NY<\/span><\/p>\n
http:\/\/notdeadyetnewscommentary.blogspot.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n
Forest Park, IL<\/p>\n
Resource Teacher, Office of Sp. Ed.
Baltimore County Public Schools<\/p>\n
Floyd, VA<\/p>\n
Gaston Residential Services, Non-Profit Service Provider<\/p>\n
Boston University Medical Center<\/p>\n
School of Education, Syracuse University<\/p>\n
Maine Support Network,Western Maine Partnership, UMF<\/p>\n
State of Minnesota, Community Support Services<\/p>\n
Gastonia, NC<\/p>\n
Not Dead Yet<\/p>\n
Professor of Special Education
Department of Education and Human Services, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA<\/p>\n
Austin, TX<\/p>\n
Dept of Special Education, Howard County Public Schools<\/span><\/p>\n
Ohio<\/p>\n
http:\/\/disabledsoapbox.blogspot.com\/2007\/10\/call-for-ethical-and-unprejudiced.html<\/a>
IDEAAS<\/p>\n
Teddy\u2019s Ts<\/p>\n
University of Wisconsin<\/p>\n
Psychiatric Survivor and Advocate
http:\/\/hymes.wordpress.com\/2007\/10\/13\/petition-the-american-psychological-association-to-ban-torture-against-people-with-disabilities\/<\/a>
Degree in Counseling Psychology<\/p>\n
Disability Rights Group<\/p>\n
Advocacy Organization<\/p>\n
State Organizer for Adapt Montana and Not Dead Yet, Montana<\/p>\n
Portland, OR<\/p>\n
http:\/\/mikestanton.wordpress.com\/<\/a>
U.K.<\/p>\n
Advocado Press<\/p>\n