{Disarmed} FW: {Disarmed} Petition Against Aversive Therapies

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-----Original Message-----From: National Autism Association [mailto:naa@...]Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 10:41 AMdiana.cregar@...Subject: {Disarmed} Petition Against Aversive Therapies

NATIONAL AUTISM ASSOCIATION SPEAKS OUT AGAINST “AVERSIVE THERAPIES” USED ON CHILDREN“THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER WAY,” SAYS NONPROFIT GROUP Nixa, MO – In a TimesUnion.com article published last week entitled “Should pain be a part of learning?” writer Rick Carlin touched on a highly controversial collection of aversive therapy methods used on children with neurological disorders such as autism. Carlin described such methods as “hitting, slapping, pinching, kicking, hurling, using painful or intrusive sprays or inhalants, and withholding sleep, shelter, bedding or bathroom facilities,” and cited facilities such as the Rotenberg Residential Center as utilizing these methods on troubled patients. Also mentioned was electrical shock therapy. “We can’t allow this to continue,” says Fournier, President of the National Autism Association. “There has to be a better way of addressing behaviors associated with severe autism and related disorders.” The national group says regulations need to be in place to prevent aversive therapies. “We’re interested in talking to facilities such as the Rotenberg Center, and are willing to help in any way we can to replace these cruel therapies with something less aversive,” says NAA Executive Director Rita Shreffler. “These children simply cannot be subjected to these methods, and finding a better way should be the priority of these types of treatment centers.”The article noted new legislation, sponsored by Senator Marty Golden (R-NY), which would ban aversive therapies. “The National Autism Association supports this legislation,” says Fournier. “we’re more than willing to help any political figure ban these inhumane practices.” To view the article, visit http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=482318 & category=CAPITOL & BCCode=HOME & newsdate=5/16/2006.

Related articles:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/05/23/ny_debates_mass_schools_shock_use/

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/05/22/a_question_of_tough_love_vs_torture/To sign a petition supporting a ban of these methods, click here http://www.PetitionOnline.com/NYs6876/petition.html For more information about autism, visit www.nationalautism.org.

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