April 2006:
To Whom It May Concern:
Before my son Christopher went to the Judge Rotenberg Center he could not control his behavior. He was unable to come home because it was not safe to transport him in the car. Christopher would become aggressive toward family members and staff. He was taking two different medications in an effort to control his behavior. The medication didn’t seem to work. He was still being aggressive.
While taking these medications, Chris was kicked out of five treatment centers because they could not handle his dangerous behaviors or provide him with an education.
Christopher has been at the Judge Rotenberg Center for five years and in that time he has been able to come off all medications and is now able to come home on weekends to spend time with family. Christopher is doing well in his academically and has made tremendous gains socially. Chris now loves to talk to people and help out in the class room. This is something he could not do five years ago due to his aggressive behaviors. Chris’ dangerous behaviors have dropped considerably and I don't have to worry half as much as I used to. JRC has helped my son Chris grow and develop well beyond any other school or treatment center could do it is a comfort to know my son is getting the help he needs to become a productive person.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Diaz
Framingham, MA
April 2006:
To Whom it May Concern:
I am the mother of a 22 year old son who attends the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) in Canton, MA. I am writing this letter hoping you will take the time to understand our situation and allow aversive treatment to remain an effective treatment option for children that nothing else has worked on and has ultimately saved lives; I will be very brief.
Steven is diagnosed with Autism and Mental Retardation. Steven has several, life threatening, self-abusive behaviors. A little over six years ago, when things were as bad as we thought they could get, Steven went to the Kennedy Krieger Institute, which is part of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. I fought long and hard to get him this help as I was told they were the best. When Steven came out of their program, he was in a full-faced hockey helmet, arm restraints, posey mitts, and had to sleep in a Hooper restraint at night. Within 48 hours of release, his behaviors were even more severe than when he was admitted; that's when his doctor told me, "Steven will be dead in two years if you don't do something now”. The “something” he was talking about was JRC.
Steven has been there for almost 6 years. His self-injurious behaviors have gone from thousands upon thousands a day, to a handful a week. He no longer is on any medications. He is healthy, and even more important, for the first time in a long time, he is happy.
When I used to visit Steven, I was lucky if he realized I was there. Now when I visit Steven, we go out (just the two of us) and have pizza. Visiting Steven now is a fun and joyful experience. It is no longer the heartache of watching him mutilate himself. I am proud of my son and all the hard work he has done; with the help of JRC he has a life.
I am asking that you try and understand that, for the very few, this school is a life saver.
If I could answer any questions you have, please feel free to contact me anytime.
Sincerely,
Kathy Dion
Chesterfield, VA 23832
April 2006:
To Whom It May Concern:
There is a positive place for aversive interventions and I feel more information is needed before any actions are taken. At this time, there are one hundred eleven scientific research articles that have been peer reviewed and published in scientific journals that establishes that the use of aversives, specifically, behavior skin shock, is effective treatment. Please don't let the recent media hype cloud your good judgment. It’s imperative that both sides of the story be told.
I am the parent of an autistic child who is a student at The Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) in Canton, Massachusetts. This school has saved my son's life. Prior to being enrolled at JRC, my son Marc was on a variety of psychotropic drugs. This had been going on for nine years. My family and I struggled with Marc while working with various professionals including psychologists/psychiatrists specializing in behavior modification techniques. Marc’s self injurious behavior grew worse of the years. In 2003 Marc’s behavior changed, though not for the better. In addition to his self destructive behavior, he had become increasingly aggressive. For a six month period Marc was sending staff members to the hospital weekly. He would violently attack them, pulling their hair and choking them. His needs were so intense that he required a 1:1 paraprofessional. The doctors on staff at his school, The Anderson School for Autism, had altered his medication regime on several occasions. This often included increasing/decreasing and starting/stopping multiple medications. At one time, Marc was taking as many as twelve different medications. Marc’s response to being medicated was far from positive. A good portion of the time he was lethargic with drool running down his face. Any energy Marc did have was used during his violent outbursts. In December of 2004, Marc was admitted to the hospital. He had become lethargic and disoriented. Marc was diagnosed with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), which was the direct result of being over medicated with Thorazine. Marc remained in a coma for eight days and almost died.
The Anderson School for Autism requested that we find another placement as they were no longer able to safely manage Marc. Every appropriate New York State placement had turned us down after reading Marc’s history. His information was sent to eighteen schools from Maine to Virginia. Only four of them called us for interviews. We went to screen these schools, looking to see what they had to offer. After various interviews and meetings, three of the schools sent representatives to the Anderson School to observe Marc. The administrators from one school in Delaware had told us they had never turned away an admission. After observing my son and talking to the Anderson School staff, we were told they could not afford the additional staff needed to serve Marc and he was subsequently not accepted.
The use of aversives are a last resort, however, in extreme circumstances they can be a life saver. JRC has multiple safeguards in place to monitor the treatment of their students as well as their staff performance. My son now receives about three GED applications a week. The Judge Rotenberg Center does not believe in psychotropic medication and Marc is now medication free. His behavior and quality of life has improved tremendously, along with his health. He is starting to work on the computer and can work consistently on a regular basis. Marc is classically autistic with a full scale IQ of 41. He is non verbal and will most likely require residential placement for the rest of his life. He may need the use of the GED as well. Would you deny a diabetic their insulin? Why would you want to deny treatment to a thriving autistic child who has made so much progress?
I feel it is important to understand the treatment offered at JRC. If you would like to speak to me, I would love to tell you my story and the story of countless other parents in detail. I would be more than happy to send you any information regarding skin shock therapy (which is vastly different from the “shock therapy” depicted in the media and in movies). I’m certain it would give you a better understanding of the situation.
Thank you for your time.
Richard and Linda Doherty
West Islip, NY
April 2006:
To Whom It May Concern:
I am the parent of a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton, MA. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you the story of my son, A’dron Douglas. A’dron’s behavioral issues began when he was nine years old. I tried everything possible to control my son. I sought help from various therapists and private schools. At one point I even re-located as I thought a change in the home environment would help. As you can imagine, A’dron got older and of course, stronger. I continued utilizing a family therapist, along with various psychotropic medications; however, his behavior worsened. A’dron was often uncooperative, would challenge all authority figures, and was subsequently suspended from school. His behavior was becoming more volatile. He began shoplifting, running away, and was becoming physically assaultive at home.
I recall seeking assistance from ACS, however, I was told there was nothing they could do. A’dron was out of control and I had run out of options. Finally, after seeking help from the local court and the NY Board of Education, an alterative placement (The Judge Rotenberg Center) was located. I spent a great deal of time doing research on JRC and decided that it was the best place for A’dron. I needed a program that could address his academic and behavioral needs.
On March 18, 2005, A’dron was admitted to JRC. From that moment on I was no longer concerned for A’dron’s safety. He has, and continues to do well there. At this time, A’dron does require the use of supplemental aversives (the Graduated Electronic Decelerator). I have found that this treatment has had a positive effect of his behavior. A’dron no longer requires the use of physical restraint nor does he need to be on any medication. A’dron’s behavior has improved so much that he can now focus on his education. He is able to be maintained in classroom and works hard on his academics and has improved in almost all of his subject areas.
I believe in the treatment offered at JRC and can assure you that it was a last resort for my son. Please understand that I had exhausted all other possibilities and treatment options prior to A’dron’s admission to JRC. I am certain that A’dron is receiving the best care possible and anticipate that he will continue to make educational and behavioral strides.
Sincerely,
Inez Douglas
Bronx, NY
15 Mar 2008, 7:15 pm
But a cup of time sounds interesting...
