print this page

Click here to read three sample letters.

Letter # 1     

(New York)

As a parent, there are times that we need to make difficult decisions that will benefit and protect the well being of our children.  Unfortunately, a year ago, my family and I were faced with the emotional and heart-breaking decision of sending my 15 year old daughter to live in a residential treatment facility.

My daughter has a long history of emotional and learning challenges, which began when she was 5 years old. She was articulate verbally; however, she could not read. This was very frustrating for her and us.  The beginning of a road ensued and 10 years later we were faced with having to send her away. This was an extremely difficult situation for our family to deal with. My daughters and I never lived apart, and we were dealt with the reality that she would have to leave home. Separating for us was difficult, since her father died when she was 4 years old and her sister 9 years old.

At age 15 she was in the eighth grade with a 5th grade reading level. Aside from her lack of academic progress she was a very angry young lady. She was diagnosed  with  Major Depression and other Psychiatric Diagnosis and refused to take "those medicines that can control me".   Between the New York City Board of Education, the  Medical Community, and our family, we had to find somewhere that would know how to deal with a special, intelligent young woman that was also experiencing extreme academic and emotional distress.

Thank God, a Social Worker working with us told us about the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center. I immediately researched JRC and other in- state residential treatment facilities. We also began the application process requesting funding from the Commission on Special Education of New York City for the higher level of care she needed. Part of this was to "apply" to three in-state schools before we could apply out-of-state. Two in-state schools refused her without an interview, their reply was that they could not accept her based on the "educational and IEP packet". One other school, in Westchester County, granted her an interview: however, after meeting her they stated that she was a flight risk and they could not guarantee her safety.

JRC staff came to our home after receiving her packet. They were very impressed by her, optimistic about her future, and stated that they could help her academically, socially, and emotionally. I felt a sense of great relief; finally someone understood that my child was special, articulate, and intelligent and that she was capable of being a productive member of society. Soon, after an official interview, a school visit, and completion of the application criteria she was accepted.

Today, she is a much happier young woman. I see that her self-esteem has increased; she has a tenth grade reading level, and has a more positive out look on life. It has been a long time since I saw my daughter without the defensive, aggressive, and self destructive behavior that was controlling her life as well as ours. During home visits she is much more responsible and comments:”Although I do not like being away from home, I am glad I am at JRC because they helped me. I feel safe there, and I am doing much better in school. I am also, learning how to take care of myself".

Needless to say, I am overwhelmed by joy, peace, and tranquility that she is achieving academically, and has the resources and tools to be able to live independently, work, and go to college. She also requested an IEP Review after meeting with the Educational Department at JRC so that she can take the New York Sate Regents. Previously, she was exempt due to her poor academic performance. She also reads more, writes poetry, and has A's and B's on her report card.  She is proud of where she lives, has made many friends, is learning comradeship, and, at times, cannot wait to return to JRC during home visits that are longer than a week. 

JRC and its staff  have a rigorous, informational process for all prospective students and their families. They continuously discuss their treatments and behavioral modification programs. The families are more than aware of what goes on and are in agreement with the policies and procedures. JRC has effective therapies and behavioral programs that assist these students. In New York State we do not have a single educational and behavioral facility equipped to deal with such circumstances.

 Respectfully,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #2

(New York)

Our son has been a student at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center in Canton, MA for over four years. The progress that he has made in the short time since his admission has amazed the both of us. Before our son began kindergarten, we had him evaluated as he seemed to be developing slower than other family members. He was sent to a special preschool which seemed to help and by the time he entered into kindergarten, he was prescribed psychotropic medication. As he continued through school, he began having side effects from the medication and by the time he reached first grade, he could no longer perform. I requested a change of program and was sent to deal with another district. They also failed my son and his behaviors deteriorated at home.

 Prior to JRC, our son was very aggressive towards his family, peers, staff at school as well as strangers in the community. We, as his family were in fear of his behaviors and physically suffered from his aggression. He was a danger to others as well as himself. He would throw himself to the floor and runaway from home- please keep in mind he had no safety awareness whatsoever. He did not know how to cross the street and did not understand the concept of what a stranger was or the harm they may do. Two hospitalizations later, we were looking into the option of residential placement.

 The programs in NY had nothing to offer our son and his many needs. After visiting the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, we knew this was the one program that was going to try to take him off the medications that has hindered his progress for years. We received a complete and well explained introduction to JRC's training programs, we were shown all around the school and they let us make our own mind about the program. For that, we are thankful and we are also thankful for all of JRC's staff who have worked with our son.

  Today our son is medication free. His aggressive behaviors have come down drastically and he has lost all of the weight he gained from being on all of the medications. We waited four long years for NY to find a solution for our son and during this time precious time was lost! We are not sure where we would be today if it wasn't for JRC. We believe JRC works for children with disabilities because our son is living proof. We also we have an adult son who suffers from autistic syndromes and didn't have the opportunity to go JRC and overcome his problems. We don't want the same thing to happen to our young son. This has been a long and difficult journey for us as a family but in the end it was worth it because we have found a placement that is able to keep our son safe while teaching him the skills to survive in today's society- without the use of medications.

Sincerely,
Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #3

My daughter will soon reach her 24th birthday. She was diagnosed in utero with biventricular heart tumors, and shortly after birth, she received a diagnosis of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. This genetic disease is largely known for its symptoms, all of which E displays, and among which are mental retardation, developmental delay and loss, as well as autistic like behaviors. She was diagnosed with Explosive Temper Disorder when she was 11 although she demonstrated violent behaviors from a very early age. By age 12, we realized we could not “handle” her alone. Her violence was rising, in demonstrations aimed at herself as well as at us. She was then, and is now, large and very strong. She is echolalic and perseverative, and all attempts at promoting verbal skills were frustrated partly due to organic prenatal brain damage and partly due to educational failures. We were living in Florida at the time, and when we contacted social services, the first advice we were given was “to abandon our child at McDonald’s.” This from a social worker. Over the course of the next several years, we were to receive this advice from several more “official” sources citing this as the best way to force the county and the state to recognize her needs. We battled the school board for many years just to receive the kind of interventions she required, and during that time, she continued to hurt herself and others. Finally, in order to qualify financially for state assistance, which was the only way the school board was going to provide their share of full-time residential treatment, we were told we would have to: abandon her, divorce, or divest of all financial assets including our home. We agreed to the third condition and over the course of six years, my daughter was enrolled in several “community based” programs. While enrolled in one or more of these programs, she was sexually assaulted (the evidence was burned before we were notified), arrested for running naked down the street when her care assistants refused to get her dressed, and forced to sleep in a room full of broken glass when a different set of care givers refused to clean the room. From an early age, her behaviors were treated with a variety of drugs: tegretol, valium, thorazine, benadryl, clonadine, clonopin and the list goes on. Nothing was effective. Her worst at-home attack came when she was receiving 1400mg of thorazine daily. This was during a visit from an investigator who was checking out a complaint from the school board, suggesting that we were exaggerating our daughter’s behaviors. He didn’t stay long and we managed to record most of the behavior. We endured the ineffectiveness of these “community based” programs until we had had enough. We were told to investigate the North East; we were told programs existed here that were better and more conscientious. So we did.

I am an Episcopal priest. My own professional and academic background includes a BA in English, a MDiv, a partial MA in Education (I was state certified and taught in the public school system for 9 years, beginning in Special Ed), and a DM in Family and Recovery Counseling. While most of my academic background included behavioral approaches in counseling, I was also trained in Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. In other words, I used everything I knew and every skill I possessed to help my daughter. I was no more successful than all the others.

When we knew we were moving to Massachusetts, we investigated all of the programs available to her but only JRC was willing to take her. I say willing. They were eager. They knew they could help my daughter. We wanted so much to believe them. The first day she arrived she acted out violently and aggressively. We agreed to aversive treatment because we believed this was her only hope. Our daughter is mentally retarded but she is not stupid. We knew she would want to avoid the aversive, if applied correctly and consistently, and that she would modify her behaviors when the program also included consistent positive reinforcement. My daughter and JRC, has exceeded anything we could have dared, wished or hoped for. She is drug free. She is self-possessed. She is goofy and playful. She eats and interacts positively with her peers. She is mindful of the “sled” when we pick her up but we have never had to use it. She has never looked as good as she does now, and while she is limited still in what she can learn, she is aware and highly receptive. JRC has given her life and a quality of life we wanted her to have.

 She will turn 23 in the coming months. Our prayer is that she will be allowed to remain as an adult at JRC. We know from experience no other program would be effective.

Sincerely yours,
Father of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #4

(New York)

When our son was 15-years-old he was diagnosed with multiple disabilities. His behavior was extremely violent and on one occasion he went after is sister with a crowbar. When he had these outbursts, it would take at least 10 people to contain him. He destroyed many things in our home and refused to go to school some days, missing 51 days of school in one year’s time. We had to contact the truancy officer constantly. Our son was very easily led by the wrong people and was greatly influenced by the local gangs. We lived in constant fear for our lives and for the life of our son.

 We filed a Person In Need of Supervision (PINS) Petition. The judge ordered him to attend Sagamore in Long Island. From previous experience with our other son, we were not expecting much. Needless to say, we were very disappointed with the care he received so we headed back to court. The judge then decided to place him at St. Mary’s, where he was diagnosed with Mental Retardation. He was then placed on psychotropic medications and we were told by the Brentwood School District that our son would never be able to achieve anything more than a second grade reading level. They began looking for a school in New York and if that failed they were going to look out of state.

 There were no programs in the state of New York that could meet his needs. We then received information of the Judge Rotenberg Center, the only school that would try to take our son off of all of his psychotropic medications while introducing behavior modification. When we visited the school, we were told about all aspects of their program, including the aversives. The aversive program was new to us but we understood that it was used as a last resort, when all else proved to be ineffective and could only be implemented with parental and court approval. We decided that JRC was the best option.

 Initially our son did well at JRC on positive programming only. He then began displaying major problematic behaviors a year into his stay. When we visited with him, he asked if could be on the Graduated Electronic Decelerator (GED) as he was having a difficult time controlling his behaviors. After discussing it and doing our research, I decided to try the GED on myself before allowing it to be used on our son. After realizing that the discomfort felt was minimal, much less that we had feared, we decided to consent to this form of treatment.

Sincerely,
Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #5

(New York)

I am the mother of three fine sons, one of whom has been diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder. One of my sons is now 33 and resides in Canton, MA because that is where his school and residential facilities are. The rest of our family is in New York State.

          My son attended public school in Brooklyn with a great deal of difficulty, both in his learning and behavior. He was almost always getting into terrible trouble, either because of acting out inappropriately in class or in public. It really wasn’t his fault; the teachers he was given in the public schools didn’t understand the nature of his disorders and were not trained to provide adequate care. After an episode that occurred when B was in junior high school age, at a time when he was already enrolled in the League Center of Brooklyn’s School for the Retarded, we had exhausted all options for getting B the kind of care and supervision he needed. My son was hospitalized at Mount Sinai in NY City for about six months, and at that point a clinical social worker we had been seeing for individual and family therapy helped us to find the Behavior Research Institute in Providence, R.I., now known as the Judge Rotenberg Center. During his hospitalization and before, he had been prescribed many, many medications. Thorazine nearly killed him as it was administered in a doctor’s office and I was left to get him home on the subway alone. He was given Navane, Haldol, Depakote, and many others, too many to count now. One thing was for certain though; none of these medications alone were effective in treating his behavior problems and caused nothing but miserable side effects. 

          For the help I received in getting my son into JRC, I am forever grateful to God. He responded beautifully to the professional and caring staff at the JRC, whose insistence on using appropriate methods of behavior modification without relying on drugs as other facilities would have served to help him thrive and grow. Unfortunately, he aged-out of JRC and was sent back to New York State, to a terrible place called the Brooklyn Developmental Center. He was not safe, never looked after properly, his money and funds were mismanaged and he nearly died from neglect. My other two sons did what they could to care for him, while I established residency in Massachusetts in order to get him back into JRC. I would get through those and any other hardships again if I had to, to keep my son in JRC because it is the best place for him, in our experience. 

          After a time, my son was able to go back to the beautiful and spacious facilities of the JRC and again was able to make progress in spite of the unspeakable horrors he suffered in the NY State system. We are thankful to a loving God and the good, hardworking people at the JRC whose techniques have proven effective over and over again.

          My son is now doing quite well, and is able to come back to Brooklyn for long home visits where he looks forward to seeing his extended family, and attending Bethany Baptist Church, which is one of his favorite activities.

His interests and hobbies have grown and expanded and he is now making excellent progress.

Respectfully,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #6

(Washington, DC)

My Son is currently a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center.  As a professor of history and author of a number of books about controversial personalities and major events, I would like to believe that the best decisions about the future are made by those who make a good faith effort to inform themselves about the pertinent past. I want, therefore, to share some of the history behind my confidence in and deep appreciation for what the Rotenberg Center has been able to accomplish for my son. My Son is now thirty nine, 6’l, and 190 pounds. He has suffered from a severe form of autism since age two. His mental abilities fall within the seven-year range. His verbal skills are extremely limited, although he can signal basic needs and commands from a basic vocabulary. He has been in residential care at what is now the Judge Rotenberg Center, since December 1987.

With the assistance of appropriate District of Columbia agencies, my former wife(recently deceased), and I sought the best special care and schooling available for our son. In an agony of reluctance, we were ultimately forced to realize that managing him in a house with two other children had become, by the time he turned nine, too great a challenge. My son was erratic, extremely self-abusive, and violent. He was placed in two residential facilities (Pennsylvania and Tennessee) with results that were not only bitterly disappointing to us but, in one case, shockingly inappropriate. After he proved too difficult, the first institution expelled him!

What my former wife and I learned from those experiences in residential care was that there is a percentage of mental disability cases that even the best institutions are far too prone to attempt to manage through drug therapy. Far too frequently, these institutions and the consulting psychiatrists manage the physically aggressive and self-abusive through medication. Drug therapy makes life better for the care givers but does little to improve the quality of life of the student client.

The Rotenberg Center proved to be a life saver for my son. In a gradual upswing throughout the early 1990’s, his self-abuse seizures increasingly diminished, the aggressive episodes declined, an ability to perform simple tasks and abide by routines increased, and a slight mastery of language manifested itself.  We concluded, that what mattered to us (and still matters above all else) was the demonstrated and potential effectiveness of the Rotenberg Center’s techniques. All the while, we (albeit my wife more often than I) made regular visits to our son at Rotenberg. We did, and I, along with my daughter, Allison, continue to do the best to monitor all aspects of his treatment there.

My son lives in a group house with five others. He shops on weekends with the group. During the day, he works at various tasks and earns a small stipend. His case manager told me last week that his current assignment is to make candy apples. He’s now a lively, contented adult who shows very little of the behavior that produced alarm and chaos in the early years, an adjustment that is secure so long as his environment is stable, organized, and predictable—an environment seamlessly maintained by Rotenberg’s able, and young staff persons. Today, he is well adjusted to his surroundings, as I once again reassured myself on a visit to Rotenberg this past Easter Sunday when my son and I enjoyed a great day at the zoo and in a local restaurant.

Sincerely,

Father of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #7

(New York)

It all began in 1987 when we decided to enroll our daughter in a daycare center at age 2. A couple of days later the matron of the facility called and told us that she had been trying to call A without any response. She thought that was an indication of a problem. We realized right away that we had a problem that must be dealt with. The next six months to one year took us to our pediatrician and finally to Long Island Jewish Hospital. After a battery of tests including hearing tests, she was diagnosed as having moderate mental retardation and autism. After 2 early age intervention schools, she made it to Queens District Public School. It was there that our problems got magnified. At this time her situation has become unmanageable, and frustration had set in. She had become very aggressive, health dangerous, non-compliant and major destructive behaviors. As a result, the school system informed us that there was nothing they could do for our daughter, they wanted her out.

            In February of 1997, our daughter was enrolled at Anderson School in Hyde Park near Poughkeepsie, New York. At Anderson School, she exhibited numerous aggressive destructive and non-compliant behaviors which led to many physical restraint interventions. Anderson School loaded her with so much psychotropic medications including Seroquel, Catapres, Tegretol and Depakote. As parents we thought these medications would help ease off her aggression and frustrations, but instead exacerbated her situation. It became apparent that the medications were not working at all. In her 4^th year she was doing so bad that they had to send her to St. Joseph Psychiatric Hospital to be detoxificated. After that they replaced old medications with new ones including Paxil, Thorazine, and Prozac. This batch of medications was intolerable that she was deteriorating in front of our faces. She had become a compulsive eater; she would wake up in the middle of the night and eat anything she finds in the refrigerator. She was gaining weight like crazy and soon she would hit 250 lbs. from 135 lbs. and by the time she left Anderson School she weighed nearly 300 lbs. and her health was in extreme danger. Again her aggressive, destructive and non-compliant behaviors had escalated beyond content. Our dissatisfaction and the severity of her behaviors were evidenced by her residential placement outside New York.

            These negative situations with our daughter prevented her from engaging in any social or community outings and further inhibited any academic progress. Upon arriving at Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, she was gradually taken off all psychotropic medications. She was then put on program base on rewards only. We signed a consent form and JRC was able to get permission from the courts to supplement her positive programming with Level III aversives. Since the aversives was incorporated into her treatment program we have seen a remarkable deceleration of her dangerous behaviors. With aversives in place she is able to flourish academically. She is thriving in her daily living skills and is able to work independently. Today she does mathematics, phonics and spelling programs.

            For those of us who went to JRC as the last hope, there is nothing to compare and there are no alternative. We only wish we had known earlier that there was a place like JRC.

            Looking at our daughter now, she had lost all the weight she gained through medication and she is looking marvelous. She is home with us on this Easter weekend, we will go to church together; something we could not do before.

            The turn around for our daughter could not have occurred if it wasn’t for the great programs instituted by Dr. Mathew Israel. He cared so much about the students and the family of JRC. We thank Dr. Israel for this unselfishness.

Return to top

Letter #8

(New York)

I am a New York State Psychiatrist. I have been a Full-Time Attending Psychiatrist for the last 15 years at Hutchings Psychiatric Center, a New York State Psychiatric Hospital, in Syracuse, NY where I have worked as resident or attending approximately 8 years on extremely violent inpatient wards, and another approximately 8 years on out-patient services with severely disabled outpatients. Though I am not speaking for my hospital, I write this letter at risk of losing my job, because I will say what many do not want to hear.

I have used and continue to use medication extensively. I have used and know physical, mechanical and chemical restraint extensively, as well as seclusion, and all the combinations of same.

My son is a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center. My oldest has a heartbreaking story. I will fight for him as long as I am able.. My first baby, he was very easy, reassuring, interactive joyful, a dream come true.

By the time he was at the end of second grade, and came home from school daily destroyed by frustration. He would often walk in the door, go over to the wall, and start hanging his head, with tears quietly rolling down his face. He was ashamed and tormented and he qualified for no services whatsoever.

 I searched everywhere and found a public special needs school with an opening immediately for which he qualified. I was blocked by my home district, over and over, but finally won. He became more combative at home. We limped through another year, spiraling downward at school and home.

Again, I was told there was no school placement for my son but I found one anyway. The usual district fight. We won, my son went, and emotionally disturbed and learning disabled were the required labels now. He had a large, strong one to one attendant at this new school. This school used ‘seclusion”; a padded room about 4 feet by 6 feet, steel door frame, Plexiglas peephole in a heavy wooden door. He has to be restrained to get him in there. “Time out” in seclusion did not start until he was quiet. He was not quiet. He spent the largest part of many, many days in there continuously hour after hour. I have the record. Now he had eaten his way through the past three years and was over 260 lbs.

I start calling the police myself to have them talk to my son. Home was a combat zone. He is broken, I am on overdrive. Sleep is a thing of the past. power tools, plywood, and replacement Plexiglas are my middle name. Bunks are bolted to wall studs. If it can fly or crash it’s gone. Appliances of any kind are gone, save washer, dryer, fridge and stove, knives are locked, but the world is a potential weapon.

I have done my homework. I have contacted every single NYS approved out of state residential school and all except one of the in state schools that was a total of 50.

It slayed me to leave my son at JRC. But he needed to go. He was barely fifteen. He needed an education. He did not need to be criminalized or turned into a mental patient. I could not fix things for him. He needed to see that somehow he could fix things himself. I had already taken him off the psychiatric meds. Meds, as expected, had not helped. His liver was messed up. He had gained even more weight, he was almost type two diabetic. He had a stomach ulcer. His asthma was worse. His ears were infected, his skin was a mess and he made it worse.

He had been so defensive that verbal therapy had been impossible. I had chosen the best and we had tried and tried. He could not talk it through He could not do school or sports or friends. He was trapped. But he could trash entire rooms, and he could identify with being a gangster. By the time we made it to JRC he was one step short of the streets, street drugs, jail or a bullet. One step short of indeterminate sentencing in a mental hospital against my will and chemical treatment over my objection.

The Judge Rotenberg Center is unquestionably the safest, most caring, professional and effective therapeutic environment I have ever seen. JRC is so excellent compared with the other schools. They were built on motivation, knowledge, and integrity, their experience with difficult kids is priceless. They know what they’re doing, and they do it exceedingly well.

So how is my son these days? He will be at JRC for two years in July. He has reclaimed his body. No longer has borderline diabetic, minimal asthma, and excellent exercise tolerance, skin intact, no more ulcer, and no more sinus or ear infections. He is lean and handsome, he swings from tree branches, does back flips on the carpet, and runs with the dogs on home visits. This is called play. I have not seen him do it for years before JRC. He teaches us how to eat well at home. He cooks for us. He has reclaimed his old sense of generosity He earns oodles of material rewards at school. He brings home a stuffed bunny, a game boy, a CD player with headset, an art set, another hand held game, each tailored for a brother or sister, plus a watch for me. He has reclaimed a huge portion of his home life on home visits, the combat zone is gone. He is affectionate, he continues to inhale books. He has come light years with school work. He does not protest return to school at the end of home visits.

Is he out of the woods yet? No, he is not. He calls many times a week, sometimes daily. He is fragile. He is gentle and confident, responsible and hopeful. He is negative, angry, fearful, and discouraged at times. But he has a chance now. Before JRC, he was very close to game over.

Parent of a JRC Student  

Return to top

Letter #9

(New York)

My eighteen year-old severely autistic son, is a full-time residential student at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center in Canton, Massachusetts, and has been such since March 2005. From October of 1997 through March of 2005, he was a full-time residential student at the New England Center for Children in Southborough, Massachusetts. In early 2005 the faculty of the New England Center for Children informed me that my son’s self-abusive and aggressive behaviors had become so severe that faculty and staff at the school were no longer able to treat him through the use of traditional “positive reinforcement” therapy, and they stated that the use of aversive therapy might be the only thing that could help my son. Since the New England Center for Children did not use aversive therapy, they suggested transferring him to the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center. Of course, since I am a New York State resident, this new placement had to be approved by my local school district and, ultimately, the New York State Department of Education. So, the Special Education Department representative at the Schenectady City School District first looked for in-State facilities that might be appropriate for J and that would take him. No in-State facilities would take him. Then out-of-State facilities were investigated. The only facility that was appropriate and that would take him was the Judge Rotenberg Education Center.

In March of 2005 my son started at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, with only the traditional “positive reinforcement” therapy being used for many months. His self-abusive and aggressive behaviors continued to escalate. In the fall of 2005, with my written consent and authorization as his sole legal custodial parent the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center filed a Petition with the local courts seeking approval to use aversive therapy, specifically temporary skin shock therapy, on my son. Upon filing the petition, he was given his own lawyer in Massachusetts in order to independently protect his rights, and the process went forward. After several months, the court approved the use of aversive therapy on him. So, in early 2006, the use of aversive therapy was started on him. As I visited my son quite frequently, I can say with all honesty that within a couple of weeks of using aversive therapy, he was like a new person. Gone were the bruises, cuts and swelled skin on his body from where he used to pound himself and bite himself; gone was the tensing up of his face that almost always signaled he was about to try to hurt himself; and gone was the constant wearing of a protective helmet for his head — he didn’t need it as much anymore. Although certainly not a person who could engage in a normal conversation like you or I, my son is now able to verbally communicate his needs while remaining calm. He is able to go outside in the sun and enjoy being around other people, and other people enjoy being around him. He even smiles now, which is just great for a mom to see. The faculty tells me that pretty soon he will no longer require the helmet at all. So, while he will always need to be under constant supervision his entire life, it seems that his life may now be happier for him.

Respectfully,  
Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #10

(New York)

My son is a 15 year old child who was previously diagnosed with Severe Mental Retardation, features of Autism and ADHD. Prior to going to JRC, he displayed a large number of dangerous behaviors- both to himself and others. He was violent toward staff, students and the bus matron. His behaviors included: hitting, pushing, kicking and he attempted to bite others on a daily basis. Aggression was also seen in our home as he aggressed towards his brother and the family cat. He is unaware of danger; he will wander off/bolt from staff and can be easily led off by a stranger. When he is public he would runaway. He can be very disruptive as he has constant uncontrollable outbursts. He would not respond to my directions and was consistently displaying noncompliant behaviors throughout the school day. My son had to be isolated from his peers while in school for his safety and the safety of others.

My son has also been hospitalized due to his behaviors and has been on numerous medications cocktails including combinations of Zoloft, Risperdol, Trileptal, Zyprexa, Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin and Seroquel. He suffered from side effects while on different medications so there were many changes made but still no behavioral progress. Nothing in New York seemed to help him and he was then admitted to JRC. 

On February 28, 2006 I went to visit my son at the center. I could not believe that he had made so much improvement in his behaviors after being in the program for only four months. He sat for more than half an hour without getting up. He was not biting his nails, and he was not covering his mouth with his hands or clapping aloud before responding to a question asked. I am not saying that all of his problematic behaviors have vanished, but at least he has shown some improvement in three of the main ones. These behaviors have a negative impact on him because they interfere with his learning ability in the classroom.

I can now hold my son close to me without him running off or trying to fight me. I would recommend JRC to any parent who has a child with similar behaviors because no other program as help my son as much as this one. I see a brighter future for my child. I also believe that if he continues to attend JRC he will be able to control his behaviors better in the future so he can go into the community without acting out which draws attention to people around. He will become more independent and if this is possible he would be hospitalize less in the future.

Sincerely,  
Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #11

(Massachusetts)

My name is B.  And I am a 40 year old retarded, autistic person.  I reside at Judge Rotenberg Center with about 250 other autistic and special needs people.  I've lived here at JRC for over 20 years and it's my home. Previously, my behavior was so bad that I was thrown out of every school or institution I ever attended.  Even though I was given so much medication at these other schools, it never helped.  I thought I was going to die, I never could learn or have any fun: and I couldn't go out at all. The medication made my hands shake and made me very afraid and sad. 

Other politicians tried to have my school closed about 20 years ago. My Mom and Dad and all the other parents fought the state of Massachusetts in a really big lawsuit with all the strength they had.  The parents and school won and "BRI" (as JRC was named at the time) was allowed to stay open to help me and my friends.  My Mom and Dad are older now and are really sad to have to go through this all again.  Why can't people just leave us alone?  I'm doing really fantastic here and with the skin shock therapy I can do things and live a great life.  I don't have to take all that horrible medication. But, you guys always want to try to interfere with our lives.  This is a private decision, a private MEDICAL decision between me and my Mom and Dad, my doctors and the probate court!!  I feel happy and loved here at JRC but I just can't express these things like others do.  I love the people who take care of me and my Mom and Dad too, of course.

Sincerely,

A JRC Student

(Written by his Mom and Dad)

PS:  Note:  My son is an autistic person who has never spoken and cannot write, but is very special to everyone who knows him. 

Return to top

Letter #12

(New York)

My son is diagnosis is Autistic with severe Mental Retardation.  The New York Public School, District 177Q gave up on my son despite an assigned one-on-one Para during school hours. His district was unable to keep my son contained or safe in the classroom setting. The New York School Bus Company who was assigned to transport him to and from school refused to service my son despite the fact the school district assigned him a bus aide. To make things more frustrating for our family, his After School Program no longer wanted to accept him.

My son was taking four medications and none of the prescribed meds helped to control or eliminate his inappropriate behaviors. The most problematic behaviors he displayed were frequently spitting and removing his clothes. Both behaviors are unacceptable socially in public. He quite often banged his own head, bit him self and smeared feces. We all agree these behaviors are very health dangerous. My son aggressed towards others with biting and pulling their hair. A few destructive behaviors I must mention are tear clothing and throw objects. He also touched himself inappropriately in public and made many loud sounds.

Thanks to my son’s admittance to Judge Rotenberg Center on July 5^th, 2001 and the aversive treatment available in my son’s program, his behavior plan has stabilized the behaviors and socially he is more accepted. He does not take any medication and has lost weight (from 180 lbs. to 126 lbs.) He is doing extremely well at JRC. It is difficult to think what will happen to him is he is unable to receive treatment and an education at JRC.

Sincerely,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #13

(New York)

My son is now thirty-one years old. On December 3, 1992, he became a student of the Behavioral Research Institute at Judge Rotenberg Center. I would like to introduce you to my son.

My son was diagnosed as autistic at the age of two and a half (2 ½ years). From that time, he attended the Kennedy Center at the Bronx Municipal Hospital. Up until puberty, he was not a problem. Sure he exhibited a lot of behavioral patterns of an autistic child but he was manageable. He attended special education classes in the Public School System. He went regularly on vacations to the West Indies, Canada, Disneyland, Washington and Virginia. Twice in 1988 and again in 1990, he completed the Walk America Walk-A-Thon for the March of Dimes children with birth defects. He raised over $300.00 each time. I never dreamed that my son would not remain at home. His behavior was not that bad. I could cope with it.

However, in late 1990, things began to change. I was told by the doctors that this would be expected since he was going through puberty and he would soon settle down again. Instead my son’s behavior became increasingly aggressive. He even started to attack me; biting, butting, charging, scratching, aiming for your eyes at times as if he wanted to dig them out

He had started taking medication when he was about 7 years old. This was because he had started banging his head. About two years later, he had also started biting his hand until a large callus developed. Over the years, he has been given first Melloril then Haldol. In 1989, he was put on Endoril. The doctor said both the previous drugs had serious long term effects if used for long periods. We were told that Endoril had no known side effects. Unlike the other medications, it did not act on the brain but merely controlled behavior through decreasing activity in the blood stream. However, his heartbeat and pressure constantly had to be monitored. Therefore I could not understand how it could have been considered a safe drug. He went from a trim size 29 than obese size 38 and all the time the doctors denied that the drug had anything to do with it!

Moreover as he became larger, his behavior became more aggressive and of course an imposing force that could not be managed. He would explode unpredictably like a crazed bull for no reason. At school, he would have to he restrained and put in an isolation room. At home, he was breaking down doors. One time, he cut his head so badly when he head butted the door and window that he had to receive 8 stitches on his forehead. People were afraid that he would do even more severe damage to himself and to others. The school bus refused to take him unless he had an escort to restrain him. Finally, the school could not deal with him and suggested that he be placed where he could receive the help he needed. At home, we could not even take our son out anymore in fear of his sudden violent outbursts.

All this time, his dosage was increasing; from 60 mg three times daily to 160 mg three times daily. The behavior was worsening! Every parent agonizes over their child. My son is a sweet child when he is calm. It was not an easy decision to place him outside the home but it had to be done for his own safety. We visited several schools before we decided on Judge Rotenberg Center. At JRC, we saw the opportunity for him to come off drugs that were making him obese without helping his behavior. Moreover, our fear was that he would develop serious health problems.

We are very pleased with Judge Rotenberg Center. He has been offered a quality of living that he cannot get with medication.. We do not over-drug the general population until they are drooling and incoherent! Yet this is being offered as a viable alternative! This seems to be a much worse fate.

As a mother, my child continues to obtain a quality of life to which every human being is entitled and which he has received from the day he was admitted to Judge Rotenberg Center.

A loving and Concerned Parent,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #14

(New Jersey)

We are parents, know it is our right to have a say in the treatment of our children and this has been monitored and continues to be monitored by Bristol County Family Court.

We are extremely disturbed by the false and misleading information going on at this time about the Judge Rotenberg Center.  We have known Dr. Israel for many years. His staff, the school, doctors and nurses have always given quality care all the time to all the residents of the Judge Rotenberg Center and continues to do so.

The press, television, the media have continuous problem getting their facts straight.   The have a continuous problem in that they are based in their reporting.  Those who report and “jump out of their chair” when administered GED, would have went through the ceiling if they ever saw their own autistic relative put their head through a wall or window.  Now, that would really be something to Jump up about and cry pain!

Before our child entered the Judge Rotenberg Center, this is where we tried to find placement all our attempts were unsuccessful. Princeton Child Development Center Day School, Eden Institute, Bancroft School, Ben Haves School, Auclair School, Emma Pendleton Bradley, Devereaux School, Summit School, Wordsworth Academy, Beaumont School, Casreal Institute, Holoy Child Care & Development Center, National Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Terry Children’s Psychiatric Center, Albany Home for Children, Kings Park Development Center, Crane Hill Children’s Services, Sagamore Children’s Center, Newark Development Center, Henry Ittleson Center for Child Research, Mt. Scott Institute, Forbush  Children’s Center, The Sheppards Enoch Pratt Hospital, Linwood Children Center, Children’s Residential Services, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Child Guidance Clinic, Yale Psychiatric Institute, Gaebles Children’s Unit, Brandon School, May Institute, League School of Boston, Enrich Lindemann Mental Health Center, McLean Hospital, Elwyn Institute. Here around home, our Children’s as in the Barley Free School, Nursery school in a summer camp for handicapped children, in a Kindergarten School for one day, they did not want our child back in school in a psychiatric Hospital for over three years where our child was heavily drugged with Thorazine Valium, Haldol, Mellaril, Ritalin all these places did not want our child and the Psychiatric hospital made the situation worse than ever. After the Psychiatric hospital, our child entered Dr. Israel’s School.

I don’t have to explain any further how we struggled to find a placement for our child. The above listing of our efforts is self evident to anyone reading it. When we got our child out of the hospital, it was at a time when our child was in danger of killing herself in the psychiatric hospital.  As a result of the drugs taken there, our child has seizures, and suffers from other physical problems. These have come from heavy drug medications and being self abusive.  We have seen improvement in our child though physical problems continue.  If it wasn’t for the Judge Rotenberg Center our child would have died by age 11.

No parent wants to go through what the Judge Rotenberg Center parents went through before finding JRC residential placement.  We have autistic, developmentally disabled children with severe behavior problems, and will do whatever we can to find the right placement for our child.  All the parents will deal with the circumstances in their life as best as they can and with the most zeal on their part. 

Thank you,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #15

(New York)

We spent five draining years trying to get my nephew help and it wasn’t easy. We had to watch him go through numerous treatments that didn’t help, ranging from all different types of medication that left him extraordinarily hyper. One medication, Ritalin, left my nephew more hyper than he ever was in one night.  He didn’t recognize us at all and it resulted in a hospital visit.  He was taken to Pelluille Hospital in Manhattan New York and stayed for two months.  When he came home it was the same thing all over again.

I was on the phone a lot trying to get help for my nephew without tangible results.  My brother tried to get help from the school he was attending at the time, as did my mother. My nephew was six years old at the time and he had more strength than I did.  As he got older, his condition worsened and he was getting stronger and more hyper.  We tried therapy through different hospitals like Mary Immaculate & Elmhurst Hospital in New York.  He was handcuffed to a bed and the hospital let him leave bare foot en route to the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC). He also didn’t have all his documents when he was transferred from there to JRC.

With the help of the Judge Rotenberg Center, my nephew’s life has been drastically improved. He has a life of dignity and understanding.

Thank you,

Aunt of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #16

(New York)

My son is currently a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center and is making much progress behaviorally, academically and socially. He is no longer taking any antidepressant or any antipsychotic medications and is responding well to a positive reinforcement behavioral treatment program.  

In today’s culture, the alternative is medication. My son was prescribed antidepressants, at first by our family physician and when they didn’t do the job, a psychiatrist prescribed psychotropic medication, which made his behavior even worse. These medications made him drowsy and his mind cloudy. His face had a glossy look and you could tell he was “drugged up”.  Most of his school day was spent sleeping. He was awakened when it was time for his next dosage, then he fell asleep again.  My son was at school, but he wasn’t receiving an education. After a few weeks, this cocktail of drugs he was on seemed to lose its effectiveness and increasing the dosage didn’t seem to help. When he wasn’t sleeping, his behavior was out of control, for example, he was throwing desks around the classroom, hitting and kicking staff, running away from staff in side the school building and running around outside the school building on school grounds. Finally, in April 2004, he was expelled from school.

My son was admitted to JRC on September 17, 2004. He remained on his medication for about 3 months so the school could observe his behavior. In late September, the school started to decrease his dosages until in mid-January 2005; he was drug free. JRC works with children and young adults who have serious behavioral issues. Most of their students have been rejected by their own school districts and other private programs. The way the staff at JRC deals with these children and young adults is amazing. JRC constantly monitors their behavioral and academic progress and fine tunes their programs accordingly.

The staff at JRC is highly trained and very professional. The administration, the program director, the clinician, the case manager, the teacher and the classroom aides all work together in developing a specialized program to best meet each student’s individual needs. JRC makes every attempt to put a student on a positive reinforcement behavioral treatment program as the first priority and then supplementing aversives with positive reinforcement if treatment is not successful.  In the case of my own son, aversives were not even a consideration to modify his behavior. In fact, JRC told me that after reviewing his file and having met him personally, they were sure they would be able to modify his behavior by using positive reinforcement and there would be no need for the use of aversives.

My son still has ups and downs in his behavior, but very mild in comparison to the period of time he was taking medication. His mind is a lot clearer now, he is learning academics, he is learning to socialize more and his rate of inappropriate behaviors is decreasing. JRC has made this possible. I feel that I am fortunate to have found a school such as JRC for placement for him. I feel confident when I go to sleep at night that my son is being taken care of and is receiving an education. It is reassuring knowing that his needs are being met and he is making progress.

Sincerely,

Father of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #17

(New York)

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

My daughter is diagnosed with ADHD and Learning Disabilities.  While attending the Board of Education schools, she never excelled academically.  She was a 14 years old with a second grade reading and a fourth grade math level. Although she seemed to make friends easily, her social skills were limited.  She would become aggressive when frustrated or use her size to intimidate younger peers.  My daughter’s behavior became self-destructive.  I could barely keep up with her.  She would disappear from the house for hours, and then for days.  It was apparent that she needed more supervision than I could provide.  She has been on many different medications throughout the years, which never modified her behaviors.  I could not take on any commitment for myself or my other children because I would have to be available for any sudden emergency that would occur because of her. 

The Judge Rotenberg Center is a gift from divine powers. JRC has given my daughter a chance to have a quality life.  They do not utilize psychotropic medication to deal with the behaviors while educating her.  I have the opportunity to see how my child is doing at all times because they implement a 24 hour digital cameral system.  She has been at JRC for a year and has been able to lose over 40 pounds! JRC provides a healthy diet and exercise, as well as the discontinuation of her medications, which helped her lose all of the excess weight and come down to a healthy weight.  She is doing extremely well and I am expecting her to continue to make progress.

Yours Sincerely,

 Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #18

(New York)

I am the grandmother of my seventeen year old granddaughter who is a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center, a private school in Canton, Massachusetts.  It is not practical and nearly impossible for me to tell my story in a few short sentences.

My granddaughter’s behavior problems began when she was young.  Since the age of seven, my granddaughter has been in nine different facilities including three state hospitals.  She has been prescribed more than thirty different psychotropic medications.  I can’t even describe the numerous side effects she suffered from being medicated.  In each of these facilities medication was always the answer; however, in Daniqua’s case, the medication failed to help.

Her behavior continued to worsen each year (as she got older).  Prior to her enrollment at the Judge Rotenberg Center, she had broken both of her arms as result of her out of control behavior, jumped from a moving vehicle that was traveling between thirty-five and forty miles per hour (broken jaw was the result), and assaulted her teacher.  She was making no progress in school and would often challenge her teachers.  When home, she would be uncooperative and refuse to comply with any limits that were set.  In August of 2004, she was admitted to Kids Peace.  During her stay at Kids Peace, my granddaughter succeeded in injuring a staff member after she fashioned a makeshift weapon.  She had taken two metal balls and placed them inside of a sock, swinging it around at people.  They soon realized they could not manage her.

Since she was admitted to the Judge Rotenberg Center her progress has been steady.  I am proud of her accomplishments.  Her reading has improved and I finally feel like she is getting an education.  I thank God each and every day for the help the Judge Rotenberg Center has given her.  Every other placement simply wanted to sedate my granddaughter.  She was heavily medicated when she was admitted to JRC, including Thorazine.  As I write this letter, my granddaughter is not on any psychotropic medication.  It is clear to me that she never benefited from it. 

In my opinion, prescribing a child various medications is similar to the other treatment options offered at JRC. It’s important that we continue to help keep our children safe.

Sincerely,

Grandmother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #19

(New York)

I am the parent of a child residing at the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton, Massachusetts.  My daughter has been at JRC for almost a year now.  She has severe emotional and behavioral issues which made it impossible for her to remain at home.  She became a danger to herself, and my family and I went through seven years of hell trying to find help for her.  You name it, I did it.  Unfortunately, being a resident of New York City, there aren't many options.  

Only after numerous placements, which included group homes, state schools, and psychiatric hospitals, was I finally told about JRC.  I had actually tried to get a loan for $50,000.00 for a one-year payment, to get her in a behavior modification program that is only offered in Utah, Puerto Rico and Montana I believe it is.  I was willing to do whatever I had to in order to help my daughter.  I was only successful in getting her moved from school to school and from hospital to hospital.  We have seen more psychologists and psychiatrists than I can count.  I watched my daughter get so drugged up in these hospitals, that I didn't even recognize her.  And you know what?  Those drugs didn't do a thing for her.  She still had her emotional outbursts and really only thought about how she could get away.  Also, she is now diabetic, and studies are showing that these mood altering drugs are causing diabetes in children.

Hospitals are the only locked facilities available in New York State for children with problems.  All other placements are in open-door facilities which of course, was like putting a kid in a candy shop when it came to my daughter.  Every group home or school that she was sent to was nothing more than a momentary stop-over for her, for she ran away from all of them.  At one point, she was missing for seven weeks - in the dead of winter - from a school upstate.  I was out of my mind with worry and was even setting up one of those spots on ABC where they show a picture of a missing child and ask have you seen so and so.  Luckily, I got her back alive and well.  However, it didn't solve her problems.

She can't function in a "normal" environment.  I'm hoping one day she might be able to, for she's not mentally retarded or autistic as some of those at JRC are, but I firmly believe that she needs a behavioral modification program like JRC's to help her learn how to function in society.  I have seen my daughter out of control and have to be taken down by 5 police officers, so I know how she can get when she's being aggressive towards others. 

JRC believes in little to no drugs when it comes to kids like mine.  The first thing they did when she got there was to start weaning her off the six or seven different psychotropic drugs she was on.  She has been completely off them for about 6 months now and looks and sounds so much better.  I have definitely seen progress since she's been there.  But for every 3 steps forward, unfortunately, she takes 2 steps back.  It's a very slow process, but I definitely see and hear a change, which I completely credit to JRC and their staff.  She has been actually showing feelings of remorse and has expressed regret for her past.  This is something that I never heard from her before.  She told me that even when she has to be restrained, which is always because of her either trying to hurt someone else or herself, that she's grateful for the fact that she's not drugged up.  For this gives her the opportunity to calm herself down on her own and to think about what she's done to cause her to have to be restrained.  No school or hospital in New York State, that I know, affords that opportunity to children like mine.  They are either drugged up in a hospital, or allowed to just take off and disappear from schools they are put in.

So far she has not had to have the aversive treatment; however, because of a cluster of weeks in the recent past, where she was physically lashing out at both students and staff, and threatening to harm herself, I gave JRC permission to petition the court for her to have that treatment.  My daughter is fully aware of this, and does understand that she has pushed the envelope to this point.  I don't feel that this treatment is abusive or that it has any long-term harmful effects.  I do believe that it is an effective means of behavior modification, especially when you are dealing with someone who is out of control and will hurt either themselves or someone else.  If we did not find JRC, I can honestly say that I think this would be a death sentence for my daughter.

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #20

(New York)

My daughter is diagnosed with Mental Retardation and was placed the Judge Rotenberg Center three years ago.  At home it was very difficult living with her as she was out of control and irresponsible, putting herself in dangerous and life threatening situations by running away or disappearing for weeks at a time, until someone made a call to say that she was in their home.  She was truant from school, breaking up and destroying furniture in the home, and also very non-compliant.  The school was not able to help her as she required supervision 24 hours a day.

Since coming to the Judge Rotenberg Center, she has changed a whole lot. She has blossomed into someone who is calm, able to concentrate on school work, happy to be at home, and listens to others.  Her academic grades are better than in any other school and I can sleep at night knowing that she is being supervised and not running around the streets.

Thank God for the Judge Rotenberg Center; my daughter has become a better person.

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #21

(New York)

I am a father of a severely Autistic Daughter who has attended this wonderful program since 1981. I am appalled by the lies that have been appearing in the paper and on television about the school. There are only a few students that require restraints and they are special cases. In fact, many autistic children, like my daughter, find it rewarding to be restrained (so of course it is not done). My daughter and perhaps half of the students are subject to the GED, a device that applies a 2 second shock to the skin when their behavior is out of control. Although it is painful, it only lasts a brief moment and this is in lieu of permitting head banging, hair pulls (hair coming out of head) biting and pinching self so that skin bruises and bleeds. The recovery time from the results of these behaviors takes far much longer than the skin shock!

Before my daughter entered this program she was loaded with Psychotropic drugs that made her lethargic and unable to perform any learning tasks, but it did nothing to stop her self abuse. She has been drug free since entering this program and I defy anyone to find one mark on her body! She lives in a clean and cheerful environment, goes on field trips, bowls, roller skates, swims in a pool and goes out shopping and dines in favorite restaurants with staff members.

If it weren’t for this program, she would either be dead or wasting away in a straight jacket in the urine soaked back ward of a state institution

I am available to answer any questions and I highly recommend that you all go visit this outstanding program.

Father of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #22

(New York)

To whom it may concern:

My only son is autistic and in addition suffers from severe mental

retardation.  He is my whole world and the object of all my love. These

feelings could not be stronger, reaching as they do an intensity that hardly

anyone could imagine.

Since his most tender years, his aggressivity has been evident. I still

shudder to recall the time (when being only nine months old) he bit the arm

of his grandmother so violently that her arm bore a mark for a long time.

Aldo's irritability and sudden swing moods (going from one extreme to the

Other) grew day by day, so much so that he injured himself and other

Persons.  He also frequently breaking many objects of all kinds such as toilet

bowls, televisions, glasses,  etc.

We, his parents, as well as other close relatives, have been tremendously

afflicted by our son’s behavior.  His behavior has prevented us from sleeping in

peace (as he suffered prolonged periods of insomnia accompanied by

irritability) in which his only entertainment was to paint walls with his

own excrement.

Following a stay of 42 days at the Elmhurst Hospital (where he was taken in a

condition that made him impossible to control), he was transferred to a

residential school in upstate New York where he remained for six years. 

This institution was considered to be one of the best in the State and was unable

to cope with him.  He continued to be under medical treatment and was

reinforced by psycho-pedagogic methods.  He also had a person taking care of him on

a one-to-one basis, twenty-four hours a day and nothing proved effective 

As a rule, any new medicine he was given worked at the most for one week.

Not only did Aldo fail to improve in any way, but his weight

went up to over 200 pounds even though he was only 15 and just over five

feet tall.  His behavior became worse so much that I always noticed that

some members of the staff (out of fear of being attacked by him) avoided

attending him.

When he was at the upstate New York school, he was often out of control,

endangering his life, and creating serious danger for members of the staff

who several times had to call 911.  The calls resulted (on quite a few occasions) in

his internment at Saint Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie. In one such

incident he was taken to the hospital handcuffed.

 The visits we paid him at Saint Francis Hospital were extremely painful for

us, having in fact stamped on my memory and that of his father indelible

marks of extreme sadness and frustration.  Never will we forget the times we

saw our son lying in bed, drugged from the strong doses of various medicines

he had received,  half asleep and unable to sit.  The effects of the drugs

wore off and he became so aggressive that the hospital activated an

alarm summoning members of the staff to Aldo's room to  control him.  Our

emotions became so painful that we went outside to weep.

 Finally the school at upstate New York officially informed us that they

could not cope with him and that we had to look for another institution

that could care for him.  When we were beginning to completely despair (and

I started to think that my name which means hope, had become a

cruel irony), we found out about Judge Rotenberg Center, which is for me a

veritable miracle school. Thanks to the method used there, my son is improving day by day. 

He is taking no medicine and his weight is normal for his age; nor does he injure himself

or others. We actually enjoy the time we spend with him.

 As I already said, he is my only son and the entire world to me.  Nobody can

protect and care for him better than me.

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #23

(New York)

Society does not care about my child or other children like her. For 17 years, I received no help from any agencies, especially OMH and OMRDD, who couldn't say anything except let me know she did not fall in their category for help. All the doctors did was use up her Medicaid for their money-making purposes. Now, after all these years of nobody giving a damn about what we went through, as a family, everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon and say that we, as parents, are treating our children inhumanely.

 As her mother, I disagreed with the treatment plan she had in another residential school; HOWEVER, I DID NOT GET A LAWYER, I GOT MY DAUGHTER OUT BY GOING AND PICKING HER UP AND BRINGING HER HOME! My daughter loves JRC. When she comes home (which is often) she wants to know "When am I going home (meaning JRC)?” For the first time in her life, she has friends; not only staff but, other students as well. She feels safe there and she participates in more activities there than at home.

 Everywhere I turn, I find people who don't know my child or care about her, trying to dictate to us, as parents, what's best for our children. JRC is best for my child and they have proven it. We, as parents, have taken the necessary steps to help our children. All of the reporters and politicians should mind their own business, or better yet, do something about all the children that are being neglected and abused by their families at home. At least I know my child is doing fine.

 Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #24

(Massachusetts)

 I am the father of a JRC Student who is 24 years old. My son has been at JRC for five years and has developed and improved his behaviors markedly.  He was born autistic and mildly retarded and as he aged, his behaviors worsened greatly. By his teenage years, he was abusive and violent towards family and others. We tried medication, therapy, and all the services we could obtain. Several private schools specializing in behavior control for autistic and PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) students were tried. The schools failed to help my son and we were asked to transfer him because he was no longer "appropriate". We visited many schools hoping to get a placement. As he was getting worse and more violent, we ran out of options. Medications were tried and seemed to make his behaviors worse. Soon my son became extremely violent and abusive with “out of control” screaming and homicidal threats. My family was threatened, abused, and physically assaulted; sometimes with a knife or another weapon. After one attack, my son was hospitalized at a psychiatric unit at the Somerville Hospital. He would come home for a short period of time until he was hospitalized again and was finally not released. After three months we could not obtain his release because of his violent and explosive behavior. We had no options and no hope left for his release. A social worker at the hospital recommended we visit JRC. We visited, learned what we could about the program and was offered acceptance to the school. We did not like the idea of their aversives but this was our only hope to get our son released from the hospital. The first month was difficult with him screaming and throwing himself on the floor with non- compliance. The staff, his mother and I monitored him closely and slowly saw signs of progress. That was about five years ago. Since then, the progress has been amazing and he has had several home visits each month. The violence is gone and the aversives that he needed in the beginning have been faded. Our life has changed for the better now and we can take our son out with us and enjoy a life as a family. I firmly believe that without JRC’s program this transformation would not have taken place. It seemed our son was destined for a terrible and sad life. Without JRC’s help we would never have gotten our son back.

Father of JRC student

Return to top

Letter #25

(Massachusetts)

Our son was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. He is severely afflicted with this condition and was violent and dangerously self-abusive. He has been a client at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center in Canton since 1978, when he was 11 years old. Prior to that time, he attended several programs that had successfully served other children with autism and mental retardation. Each of the programs was unsuccessful in treating our son, and he was dismissed from each one. His condition continuously deteriorated.

 To give you a brief idea of the types of behaviors we’re talking about, during that time, he sliced himself with a razor blade, put Drano into his mouth, tipped over large pieces of furniture, and ran out into a busy street. Positive reinforcement did help somewhat to curtail these behaviors, but did not stop them.

 Since he has been at the Judge Rotenberg Center, and received a combination of reward and punishment therapy, including the use of the Graduated Electronic Decelerator (GED), he has improved drastically. When he comes home to visit once a month, he is calm, relaxed, and happy.

 Sincerely,

Parents of JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #26

My son, who is now 22-years-old, has been a resident of JRC for over 5 years.  My son’s life is now filled with good days; he is able to function in today’s society and is living as normal a life as possible given his disabilities. We, as a family have been through many struggles with him before his admission to JRC.

 My son was aggressive towards family members and threatened to kill others while on school bus. After attacking a family member, he had to be hospitalized. He began banging his head against walls at a very young age and has runaway from his caregiver in the past. He was defiant and had many disruptive behaviors. Many things were tried to help my son but nothing seemed to work. He was taking medications that I was told were needed, but later proved to be ineffective. I went as far as sending him to the Dominican Republic to attend a boarding school, but his behavioral difficulties continued. While in DR, he suffered a seizure which jeopardized his health and caused him to regress. Prior to this, he was functioning at grade level in all areas. When he was finally admitted to JRC at the age of 17, he was functioning at 3-4-year-old level. 

 Since beginning at JRC, I have seen my son excel in so many areas! Both his educational and behavioral plans are individualized. He can be maintained safely in classroom and works on his own computer daily. He has moved to one of JRC’s least restrictive residences and he has been eligible to go on numerous field trips such as bowling, hiking, out to eat, shopping and to the circus.  He has also been on successful home visits as well. All of this was possible because of the reward rich environment that JRC provides as well as the use of supplementary aversives. I am not claiming that this type of treatment is for everyone, but it does work and my son is living proof! He no longer puts his life or the lives of others in jeopardy. I am grateful for all that JRC has done for my child and would hate to think JRC may not be an option for him or the rest of the children in NY that could benefit from this program. My child should not be left behind…………..

 Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #27

(New York)

I would like to give you a brief account of the successful development of my sister.  She is a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton, MA.  Prior to her entrance to JRC, she had numerous behavior and academic problems.  She was on several different medications that were ineffective and as a result, she was grossly over weight.  Additionally, she had developed self-esteem issues due to her excessive weight gain.  These issues hampered her educational development and the medication she had been prescribed did nothing but heavily sedate her.  She was not able to remain alert and lacked the ability to focus or pay attention in school.

 Since she has been at the Judge Rotenberg Center with their aversive treatment, her behavior has changed dramatically.  She has lost all of the excess weight so much that she is more aware of not being obese.  She has improved educationally; in fact, she was able to obtain her high school diploma.   This achievement never would have been possible had she remained in any other school or facility.

 Sincerely,

 Brother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #28

(New York)

My daughter is a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center.  Prior to her being admitted to JRC, she had been placed in various schools within New York City.  During the time spent in these schools/placements, she made little or no progress due to her behavior.  She was removed from each of these residential placements due to her disruptive behavior.  Examples of my daughter’s problematic behaviors included smearing feces, destroying furniture, making unauthorized/inappropriate phone calls, and sneaking out of the house to steal items from the local store.

My daughter was on several psychotropic medications which caused her to gain excessive amounts of weight.  At one time she weighed two hundred pounds.  She had no energy and would sleep most of the day.  When she was awake or did have energy, she often engaged in problematic behaviors.  Though several programs and services had been utilized, she continued to display the same behavior pattern.

Since her admission to the Judge Rotenberg Center, she has been much happier and healthier.  She no longer engages in the dangerous/disruptive behaviors.  She is more focused on learning/mastering her academics.   Last year, my daughter earned her high school diploma.  This is a goal I never thought possible.  Her social skills have improved tremendously.  In addition to her behavior and academic progress, S’s eating habits have drastically changed.  She now has a genuine concern for her own health.  Her self-esteem has improved and she finally feels like a part of the family. 

Please know that I have exhausted all of the possible treatment options for my daughter.  The therapy offered by the Judge Rotenberg Center is the most effective, least intrusive method that guarantees my daughter the best quality of life.

 Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #29

(New York)

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 was on a variety of psychotropic drugs.  This had been going on for nine years. My family and I struggled with him while working with various professionals including psychologists/psychiatrists specializing in behavior modification techniques. His self injurious behavior grew worse of the years. In 2003, his behavior changed, though not for the better.  In addition to his self destructive behavior, he had become increasingly aggressive. For a six month period he 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, my son was taking as many as twelve different medications. His 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 he did have was used during his violent outbursts.  In December of 2004, my son was admitted to the hospital.  He, had become lethargic and disoriented.  My son was diagnosed with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)which was the direct result of being over medicated with Thorazine.  He 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 him. Every appropriate New York State placement had turned us down after reading his 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 him. 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 him and he was subsequently not accepted. 

The Judge Rotenberg Center does not believe in psychotropic medication and my son 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. He 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. I feel it is important to understand the treatment offered at JRC.  

Thank you for your time.

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #30

(New York)

I am the Grandmother and legal guardian of my grandson who was diagnosed, at the age of three, with Autism and Mental Retardation and his IQ is in the severe to profound range of functioning.  He began receiving special education services at the age of three and attended PS188 in New York, from age 5 until his placement at Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) on February 1, 1999 at the age of 12.

While attending PS188, despite the use of medications, such as Mellaril, Clonidine, and Inipramine, he required a one to one paraprofessional during the school day as well as a one to one transportation paraprofessional on the school bus.

Due to his range of functioning, his extremely limited vocabulary, and severe receptive difficulties, communication was frustrating and often led to uncontrollable temper tantrums as well as aggressive and self injurious behaviors. He has minimal frustration tolerance and when denied his own way, would often act out aggressively, especially towards his younger 7 year old brother.

Before placement at JRC, while living at home, he would target his brother with aggression, throw temper tantrums, which included banging his head, defecate on the floor, and eat uncontrollably, to the point I had to padlock the refrigerator/freezer and lock all food cabinets. My grandson would also run into dangerous areas/situations in and around our home.

On arrival to JRC my grandson required frequent restraint to control his behaviors, which were interfering with his social/emotional and educational well-being.

Once consents were signed, and approval received to begin level III treatment, the Graduated Electronic Decelerator (GED) was introduced into his treatment program.

Since the implementation of the GED into his program, he has made great progress behaviorally, academically, and socially. He is on a token system where he can earn tokens for appropriate behaviors and for task completion and can exchange the tokens for preferred rewards 

My grandson has made excellent academic progress towards meeting his goals and objectives as listed in his Individualized Education Plan (IEP). He is now able to work, semi-independently, on computer tasks, such as, Basic Skills, Alphabet Skills, Receptive Vocabulary, Learning to Count and Learning to Tell Time.

He also participates in the Special Olympics and is able to come home to New York, or stay with his brother and me at a hotel near JRC, for extended periods of time without staff supervision or exhibiting any inappropriate, uncontrollable behaviors. JRC, and the use of the GED, has significantly improved his quality of life, as well as that of our entire family.

Sincerely,

Grandmother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #31

(New York)

Our son is a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton, MA. He was born in 1985. By 23 months of age it was obvious that he was developmentally behind his chronological age. He was enrolled in the early intervention program of our local school district in New York State. Our son has remained in special education programs up to and including the present time and is classified multiply handicapped. He is and always has been a sweet, caring and considerate young man. He has been diagnosed as having; Attention Deficit/Hyper Activity Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder and moderate Mental Retardation. He is highly impulsive and seeks to be the center of everyone’s attention. Due to these factors what might be a negative consequence for most people is a positive experience for him. Our son seeks out physical restraint, police involvement and even incarceration. He will find and take advantage of any and every opportunity to accomplish these goals. These behaviors seem to give him a high similar to that of certain drugs, a high he seems to have found exhilarating. Although he has never been overtly violent, he has and will react with force when someone tries to prevent him from placing himself in harms way. Throughout his life he has been prescribed a wide variety of medications and has been hospitalized many times. He has been a student in the Local School District, BOCES and several Private School Programs within New York state, all of which used Positive Reinforcement Behavior Programs. In spite of this, his self endangering behaviors became more and more frequent and more intense. While a residential student and on medication in a highly structured behavioral program in upstate New York with a one to one aide, our son engaged in a behavior which placed him in grave danger and resulted in his arrest. At that time he could have been sent to an institution for the criminally insane until he was cured. This would have, in all probability, a life sentence, since there is no cure for mental retardation, which plays a part in his ability to control his behavior.

We were able to get him admitted to a local mental hospital on Long Island, a facility that specialized in Mentally Retarded/Behavior Disorder patients. Their solution was to keep him drugged to the point that he was oblivious to his surroundings. In spite of this, he managed to injure staff and was often strapped to his bed. He was not receiving any education and was regressing in his cognitive functions. He had no quality of life.  He was restricted to an 8 by 12 room with a bed and no other furniture or anything else in it and an aide posted at the door 24/7, to keep him in the room. We explored alternative placements in facilities from Delaware to New Hampshire.

He was accepted to the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton, MA in February of 2004. Upon his discharge from the hospital, he was on a dose of 900 mg of Thorazine. When we had the prescription filled at the local pharmacy near the hospital, the pharmacist found it incredible that such a high dosage was being administered.

Today our son is on no psychotropic or sedative medication. He has made strides academically and socially. We had initial trepidations about the use of aversive techniques in the Judge Rotenberg Center behavior modification program. My wife and I both insisted on experiencing the GED prior to giving our consent to its use. Despite our concerns, after seeing the results they have achieved in a relatively short time, we are converts and believers. GED applications have been rare and just knowing that he has the device on is usually enough to remind him to abstain from dangerous behaviors. He still has impulses to call the police and report that he has committed horrendous acts, which have not actually taken place. An incident such as this occurred when he was sent home without the device around this time last year for Easter vacation, Previous and subsequent visits while wearing the device were uneventful and no applications were necessary. My son has been on many field trips with JRC staff including sporting events and activities such as horseback riding and bowling, activities that previously had become too dangerous to chance.

Our son greatly enjoys his new found freedom. He is polite, well mannered and knows and accepts the reasonable limits placed in his behavior.. The quality of his life as well as his academic skill has improved so much since he has been at JRC there is no doubt in our minds that we made the correct decision by placing him there and that indeed, they may well have saved his life. My only regret is that we did not find JRC much sooner and that no such facility is available in New York State. We would much prefer to be closer to our son.

Sincerely,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #32

(New York)

The Judge Rotenberg Center accepted my son at the age of 13, and I feel that since that time they have taken exceptional care of him. He is getting close to the age of 18 and he still needs Judge Rotenberg Centers to educate him using a lot of structure. 

My son had been placed in three other schools in New York and none of them were able to treat my child’s behaviors.  He was not receiving the proper education and got in a lot of trouble with the law.   

My son has a serious behavior problem and a very bad temper. He has been back and forth to other schools within the last several years and none of those schools cared about my son like JRC. He has made a lot of progress with his behaviors and controlling his temper since being accepted at this school. There have been times when he left JRC to come home and he ended up back in jail.

My child needs Judge Rotenberg Center.  Please allow JRC to help my son and other children who have behavior problems like him. I need my child to have the treatment that only JRC offers.

Thank you for reading this letter

Return to top

Letter #33

(Massachusetts)

Our son has been at this school for eight years.  He has made significant gains in controlling his aggressive behaviors.  He no longer injures people on a daily basis, he is no longer over-medicated and sleeping all day, and he is no longer restrained for hours at a time by five or six staff.  He is responding well to the large concentration of positive rewards in his program.  When necessary, his aggressive behaviors are consequated in a quick and controlled manner by a mild skin shock, and he is redirected to the task at hand.  He is well cared for and we feel this is a very safe environment for him. 

It is important to understand that the students at the Judge Rotenberg Center are a small percentage of students needing special education but they are very difficult to manage. Traditional therapies have not helped them, many programs have expelled them, and their families cannot keep them at home.  Most people have not heard of, nor can they imagine the violent behaviors and/or the self-abusive behaviors these students demonstrate. The goal of special education is to maximize the child’s ability to be both independent and a productive citizen.  It has been shown time and again that both the reward program, and the reward program coupled with the skin shock device have enabled some completely unmanageable students to function.  The students are participating in academics, learning respect for themselves and others, receiving vocational training, living in community group homes, and are able to visit and be part of their family! 

The treatment program at the Judge Rotenberg Center is an option for struggling families.  This program continues to help many more students and gives them a brighter future. 

Sincerely,

 Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #34

(New York)

My son is 13 years old and is currently a student at JRC. When he was at home, I had to be by his side all of the time. My son was so self abusive, that he would repeatedly slap or bang his head, he would slam his jaw against his shoulders so hard, you would think he would have broke it off. He would kick himself, throw himself to the floor, and so on. I think you get the idea. If I had to let his hands go, I would have to resort to tying his sleeves together so the blows to his head were not as intense.      

After admitting my son to JRC and placing him on the GED, especially at such a young age, was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, but it was by far the best decision for his safety and well-being.  He has been on GED for about two years. He no longer requires anyone to hold his hands, he no longer wear a helmet or special parts. He no longer requires arm splints. After he was placed on GED, it was the first time I had ever seen my son feed himself or drink without assistance. What a feeling of relief. Do you know what that feels like? 

Without JRC, I do not know where my son would be right now, maybe dead.

Sincerely,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #35

Massachusetts

Prior to being admitted to JRC, my son was on many medications. He was moved from school to school just because the schools were not capable of taking care of my son’s behaviors. He used to hit others, hurt himself, runaway, take of his clothing at inappropriate times, and many other behaviors. 

 The progress that my son has made has been enormous and extraordinary thanks to the GED treatment. My son has recovered significantly. First, I give thanks to God, and then the staff of JRC for having the patience, the love, and the dedication with our children.  It is very difficult to work with these children that exhibit self dangerous behaviors such as, hit and bite themselves. They also exhibit aggression behaviors towards others, as well as, destructive behaviors. They hit and bite others and they break objects. 

 My son has been at JRC for 5 years and his progress is excellent. My son is no longer aggressive towards other and he does not exhibit any self abusive behaviors. He is no longer on any medications to control his behaviors. JRC is an exceptional and excellent school that meets all the requirements for children with special needs

 Sincerely,

 Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #36

(New York)

My son is a 16 years old, 5’ 4 inches tall, 188 lbs. with Down Syndrome, Oppositional defiant Behavior Disorder.  He was raped in August 2003 while attending the Fresh Air Fund Summer Camp.  

My life has been pure hell since then! My son started hurting himself by sticking pencils in his belly button and other objects in different orifices of his body.  He was very aggressive at home.  He hit both my mother and me and many times destroyed property.  He was out of control.  I had to have him admitted to Bellevue Hospital a couple of times.  He was unmanageable and would come home from school and watch TV, play his play station game, eat until he was sick.  He refused to take a shower or a bath.  Recently, he refused to go to school and I could not take care of him.  He had to be put on different medications to include psychotropic medication and it didn’t work! His sleeping pattern was disrupted; he gained an enormous amount of weight. 

All the New York State Facilities, about 6 that I know of, reviewed my son’s packet, turned him down because he was too aggressive.  My son arrived at JRC on March 1, 2006.  He has improved immensely.

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #37

(New York)

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about my son who is a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center.  At early age, my son had several problems.  At the age of six he was placed in a special education program after being diagnosed with ADHD.  He was also placed on medication to help control his behavior.  At the age of twelve, my son was placed in multiple group home settings.  He had eloped twice and it was clear the system was failing him.  He was also asked not to return to some of these placements.  While at home he would threaten family members, steal, and refuse to adhere to any type of limit setting. 

 My son was admitted to the Judge Rotenberg Center on December 28, 2004.  Since the day my son arrived at JRC I have been able to see the progress he has made.  The staff have been very supportive, not only to him, but to me as well.  In addition to his inappropriate behavior, the center is addressing his academic needs.  I truly believe in the Judge Rotenberg Center as I have seen first hand what they can do.  My son is currently on the GED (Graduated Electronic Decelerator) and I have seen a tremendous change in my son’s educational progress.  He is no longer on any psychotropic medication.  His thought process is clearer, he is genuinely happy, and continues to make strides educationally and behaviorally and I like what I see.

 I finally feel I have peace of mind, knowing that my son is well cared for.  The fact that he has made so much progress, and continues to do so without the use of medication is wonderful.  Without JRC, I’m not sure where he would be today. 

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #38

(New York)

I am writing to you to tell you about a facility named Judge Rotenberg Center located in Canton, Mass. My son has been a student there since 1999. He is developmentally delayed. Before going to JRC my son was placed in several schools in New York. One of those schools had only students that were placed in Special Education. He had all sorts of behavior problems such as running away, hitting others, breaking windows and numerous others types of behavior. I remember telling the doctors when he was younger to put him on the right medication, to stabilize him and that he should be home with his family. The doctors told me that I should place him in a facility as he was getting older and stronger and that I would not be able to handle him. Not too long after that, he jumped out of a second story window in an attempt to go outside when I told him not to. He had no impulse control. Whatever his mind told him to do he did it. He also said that he heard voices in his head.  My son was on different medications like Ritalin and other psychotherapy drugs. After being in the a mental hospital for over a year the New York Board of Education told me that they couldn’t find a school that would take him. It was because of his behaviors, age and IQ at the time. I gave permission for them to look out of state for a school.  Thank God I did.

 They introduced me to The Judge Rotenberg Center.  I love that school and the students are treated very well there. My son is not on any drugs; only the ones for seizures. In the beginning, he would call me and say he want to come home and that he didn’t like the school. However, kids will say those things when they can’t get their way all the time.

 Unless a person has a child like mine, people don’t know what we as parents go through. In some cases the systems failed our kids. They get lost in the shuffle and there are facilities that will drug our children. Some make them into zombies to control them or abuse them physically and then say the child did it to themselves. One of the main reasons why I love JRC is because every one is being monitored to include staff and students. Cameras are everywhere. There is so much I could say that is positive about The Judge Rotenberg Center. I really wish there was a school exactly like The Judge Rotenberg Center right here in New York State.

Sincerely,

 Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #39

(New York)

I am the mother of a student at The Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC). She has been there for over a year and has made great improvements since her admission.  When she was in New York, she was in and out of hospitals for years. Ryaisa then went into a residential placement called The Woods. She came back worse then when she left and within a year she was back in the hospital, where she remained until her placement at JRC.  In NYC Ryaisa was given so much medication that she didn't know who was- all she knew was that she had to take her medication and go to sleep. Counseling was a joke in and out of school and it did nothing to help my child.

My daughter required the use of many paraprofessionals- they came to our home, they rode the school bus and were with her in class- none of which helped improve her behavior. She couldn't even hold her water and was wetting the bed, biting her lips, fighting, cursing a lot and she would not listen to me or her older sister. There were many nights were she would refuse to go to bed and would be up all night. Since Ryaisa has been at JRC she stop wetting her bed, she goes on field trips, listens to her family and is able to sleep alone for the first time in a long time. Ryaisa now gets "A's and "B's" and this was not possible in the past. She has made so much progress and should be able to remain at JRC.

 If she was ever forced to return to NY, they would put her back on medication; return her to a secluded classroom –where she would not be able to associate with the others kids. Now I can see hope for my daughter’s future and I WILL NOT let my child live that kind of life again!  I need a lot of things for her if she comes back home and I know NY is not prepared to offer her. She now has a chance for a bright future and should have the opportunity to remain in a setting that has helped her immensely. JRC helped her with the problems that NYC couldn’t- they did not want to deal with a child with a behavior problem. All NY seems to do is put a child on meds or put a child in a room and leave them without making attempts to help them. They don’t seem concerned with what a child needs; all they care about is how they are getting paid and when they are going home. 

Very truly yours,

Mother of a JRC Student 

Return to top

Letter #40

(New York)

I am the mother of a child that has Autism.  My daughter at the present time is living at the Judge Rotenberg Center in Massachusetts.

Before my daughter was sent to the Judge Rotenberg Center, she received a number of medications such as Resperdol, Ritalin, Haldol, Buspar, Topamax, and Seroquil.  None of these medications worked.  I also received services from several agencies to help me with my daughter and her aggression.

 I got the point where I saw no hope for her or for myself.  I was so overwhelmed with our situation and the fact that I could no longer handle her.  Many of the agencies stop sending me help because of her violent behavior.  Of the many Residential Habilitators that would come to my house to help, only one was able to try to control her.  I could not even go outside with her for a walk or to buy necessary groceries because she would spit and hit strangers on impulse on the streets.  Many times, I would get into arguments and altercations with total strangers because they did into understand why my daughter did what she did.  She would also self-inflict injuries toward herself and become extremely aggressive and it continued to get worse.  I could never have family or friends over to visit us because they were afraid of her.  I was even banned from bringing her to a neighborhood McDonald’s because she posed many safety issues with the customers.

 Since my daughter’s placement at the center, there has been a huge change in her behavior.  She no longer self-inflects injuries toward herself, she is able to sit next to others without hurting them, and behave in a manner that she was not able to do before.

 Thank you, sincerely,

 Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #41

(New York)          

My son currently attends the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton MA. 

 My son has been on 30 different combinations of psychotropic medications since the age of 9 years old. He has carried a psychiatric diagnosis of ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorder, and Intermittent Explosive Disorder over the last 10 years.  He has been hospitalized on several occasions due to unmanageable, dangerous, and suicidal behavior.  He was in individual counseling, group counseling, and family counseling since the age of 8 years.  As far as his education he was left back twice before he even entered Special Education and did not respond to the Special Education programs that he was placed in after that (Inclusion Program, Collaborative Team Teaming, Charter School, and 12:1:1 program).  My son was not able to be maintained or programmed in these settings.  He was not in school from 6/05 to 1/06 (approximately 7 months) because the New York City Board of Education and the New York State Department of Education could not find an appropriate program for him.  During those 7 months he wandered the streets, got in trouble with the police, and was hospitalized once again.     

 My son was eventually admitted to JRC the beginning of 1/06. 

 My son has made a significant turn around in his life since entering JRC.  First, he is totally off psychotropic medications; this is the first time that he is medication free since he was 9 years old.   Second, he has moved through four different residences since entering JRC; when he entered he was in a crisis residence and he is now in a small apartment with three of his peers.  Third, he has mastered many educational lessons which are individualized on his own personal computer; this is the first time he is attending to his education and working hard.  Fourth, his overall attitude has changed; he is actually interested in his future and the things that he will be able to accomplish.  Fifth, his coping strategies have improved significantly since he entered JRC.  He is expressing his needs and emotions in an appropriate manner for the first time in over 10 years.    

 My son has responded remarkably to the intensive behavioral interventions that are utilized at JRC.  Staff are incredibly well trained and focused on meeting every need that a student has.   

 JRC has helped save my son’s life. No other program in New York City or New York State would be able to provide the extremely effective and therapeutic environment that JRC does.  There is high probability that if he had to leave JRC he would be hospitalized and back on psychotropic medication. Now my son finally feels like he has a bright future.

 Sincerely,

 Father of a JRC Student 

Return to top

Letter #42

(New York)

My son has been a resident of the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) since July of 2005.  He has made behavioral and academic achievements, which in a large part has come from the programming efforts at JRC.

 My son has had a long-standing history of noncompliance, verbal aggression, physical aggression, running away, threats to harm himself and others, as well as smearing feces.  He has, in the past, threatened others with knives, and once attacked a student on a school bus who was making fun of him.  When his younger brother was 3 months old, he made an abusive attempt on his life.  He also has a history of masturbating in public, being disrespectful, starting fights, and stealing.  When he was denied a privilege or something he wanted, he would hit walls and/or other people and destroy things.  He also has a history of self-injurious behavior, having attempted to strangle himself with his belt on one occasion.  He would walk around the house naked, masturbating and refusing to do anything. 

 From March to July of 2005, he was admitted to the New York Presbyterian Hospital.  He was admitted due to aggressive behaviors, impulsivity and difficulties with self regulation and self control.  He was also admitted because he threatened his older brother with a knife, and choked me when he could not have something he wanted.  The police were called, and they had to use pepper spray because he would not calm down.  In July, it was decided that my son was in need of residential placement, which brought him to JRC.

 Since my son arrived at the Judge Rotenberg Center last August, he has made excellent progress in correcting many of his problematic behaviors.  His teacher also reports that he has made excellent strides in his academic tasks.  Although his progress has been a bit slow due to reading and comprehension difficulties, he has show steady improvement in many areas.  He makes sure to ask questions when he is having trouble with a particular task, and did not exhibit any behaviors his classroom that appeared to impede his learning process.  He is now also completely free of all psychotropic medication, and is able to function as a normal student would.

 My son and so many other students have made much progress as the direct result of the programming efforts of the staff at the Judge Rotenberg Center.  I, as his mother, am extremely pleased with my son’s growth and improvement since he was admitted to JRC.

 Sincerely,

 Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #43

(New York)

Before my granddaughter attended the Judge Rotenberg Center; she would go to school but wouldn’t do the class work or any homework.  She was always disturbing the classroom by throwing chairs around and arguing with the teachers and classmates.  When she was at home, she would set on the safe staring and picking her hair out of her head with her hand.  She would also say she was going to kill herself.

Since she has been attending the Judge Rotenberg Center, she has improved greatly.  Her behavior has changed, her grades have gone up to A’s and B’s instead of a blank report card.

My daughter has shown she has learned to control her temper.  Her social skills are improved, because she can handle most situations when presented and even speak politely to people.  She also shows that she is concerned about her appearance and taking care of her body’s needs.  The Judge Rotenberg Center, has got her to do something we could never get her to do, lose weight!

The Judge Rotenberg Center has been a great deal of help to my family and myself 

Sincerely yours,

Family of JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #44

(New York)

As a parent, I have seen my own child suffer physically and mentally from the side effects of prescribed psychotropic medication from age 5 to age 8. While my son was attending a private special educational school in New York, it was suggested by the school that he needed either an increase in his medication or change to a different type of medication, to control his behavior. This was a living nightmare to see my child who is always and still is a happy child became an emotional wreck each time he had to ingest this medication. With each change in his medication to control his behavior, along with the use of behavioral modification, my son became increasingly restless exhibiting more bizarre behaviors. As the school became more frustrated with my son’s behavior they then suggested the use of combining different types of psychotropic drugs to control his behavior. In the world of psychiatry this is known as “Cocktails.”  As a health care professional knowing the danger and the overwhelming side effects of psychotropic medication that our children may or have endured, should be of great concern for this nation. Studies are now revealing to the community, regarding the increase in suicidal rates among our youths who are overly medicated, as well as the brutal attacks towards their own family members or friends, leading to injury or death. Weight gain and obesity, are other dangerous side effect of these medications.  We are all well aware of the statistical data regarding the increase rate of diabetes and hypertension that affect our children today; those who are medicated as well as those who are not.

With repeated failure of this program to meet my son’s needs I was once again brought back to the table to discuss my child’s future. It was recommended that they would assist me by the end of the year to seek other placement if thing did not work out. 

 Having compassion for my child’s life, I had researched schools that would provide a safe an enriching environment, for him without the use of medication. I was informed about JRC’s program and its aversive treatment. Researching the positive effects of JRC methodology, I visited the program and was impressed with their consistent structural background, which included not only aversive treatment, but an individualized educational plan (IEP), tailored to meet each child needs, camera surveillance to monitor our children’s safety, a positive reward system in school and within the community, grooming and appearance training to enhance self-esteem, as well as a healthy, well-balanced nutritional program.  After viewing other in-state programs, all of which use psychotropic medication, my son was accepted into JRC at the age of 8.  Knowing the nature of my child’s behaviors, behavior modification alone was not going to be an affective treatment for him. Prior to my son entering into the program, I had consented for JRC to have aversive procedures added to his program. Letting my child go to have someone else to nurture and care for him was very painful. What was more painful and distressing was receiving a phone call from a detective upon my arrival from Boston, that my son and several other children from the school in Queens that he attended was physically abused by a school attending staff.  The courts did nothing to convict this person.  

 Shortly after aversive treatments were implemented as a part of his program, I noted a positive change in my son’s behavior with no side effects. It is a pleasure to enjoy my visits with him without being stressed out. My son’s birthday was in March, and he just turned 16 years old and continues to be a student at JRC. As he continues to grow, those little milestones of development that we take for granted in our daily lives, are now seen as priceless. Without this program, my son would be out of control, overly medicated and obese. With each home visit, I as a parent continue to adhere to JRC aversive treatment program. With aversive treatments added to his program, I have seen tremendous results in his behavior and academics. He continues to progress rather than regress.

 JRC should be commended for their outstanding program. They have immeasurable compassion and great respect for our children’s lives. My wish is to have a drug-free child, to function to the best of his ability and be accepted into society, without being under the influence of medication. As a single parent, I had tried everything to help my son, holistically and medically.  My baby is doing well at JRC.   

Respectfully,

Mother of Student

Return to top

(New York)

Our son has been attending the Judge Rotenberg Center for the past five years to manage his psychological & behavioral problems more effectively.  We are pleased to say that our son has shown remarkable improvement since he has been at the Judge Rotenberg Center program.  Our son is able to take care of his personal hygiene tasks with minimal supervision, his social interaction with others is also appropriate and his overall functioning is much improved, etc. We are appreciative for the excellent services that the Judge Rotenberg Center provides to children with problems that are similar to our son. In view of his remarkable progress, we intend to keep him at this program in coming years.  We hope that he continues to further his progress in order to develop more effective independent living skills when he reaches adulthood.

Sincerely yours,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

When my son was six months old, the doctor noticed there was something wrong with him. After going through many different tests, the doctor diagnosed him with Autism and Multiply Handicapped. From six months to five years of age, he went to the Special Children’s Center. The school district then placed him in BOCES until one day something upset him so much that he tipped tables over, breaking the computers. He was kicked out of BOCES and the school district sent him to a few more schools. As it turns out he didn't last long at those schools either. As my son got older, when he got mad or frustrated, he would beat his head on the wall and floor or he would scratch himself raw. The school would always suggest that I take him back to the doctor to increase his medication. When the school district had nowhere else to send him, they sent a tutor to the house for one hour a day. I called ARC and they didn't have any kind of program for him either. After I spent months calling the school, they finally sent out applications to different placements that is how I learned about THE JUDGE ROTENBERG CENTER. Since my son has been at JRC, he has come along way; he goes to school every day, he has learned so much. My son no longer has self abusive behavior; he is talking and also able to complete basic ADL's. He can write his name and is learning how to count, write and read. 

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #47

(New York)

I am the mother of a student at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center.  He will be eighteen years old in May and has been at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center for approximately five years.

 When my son lived at home, he would fight with people in the street. He threatened my life but he was so sick and did not know how to control himself.  He would even be aggressive towards smaller children.

 I remember when people in my neighborhood wanted to fight me because they wanted me to hit my son and discipline him more harshly for his behavior, but I would not because I understood that he was sick.  I did not know how to handle the situation. I was so sick with worry that I was in therapy because I did not know how to handle him. 

I looked at several different places for him and they were places that I did not want to place my son.  I worked with my social worker to visit JRC and my prayers were answered when I found the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center.  I had been praying for a school that would be able to help him.  I was so sad to send him to Massachusetts, I missed him so much.  I know that this is the best place for him and I am so glad that I made this decision to send him to JRC. 

 I love my son and wanted to do what was best for him.

 My son has received GED treatment in addition to positive programming because his behavior was inappropriate.  I have seen the change in him and it is for the best. 

 To me, this is the best thing to happen to my son. Sometimes I do not want him around the neighborhood because of the other children/teens, but now he knows when they are behaving inappropriately to come home. He instead chooses to watch TV and go to movies.

 Right now, I am so proud of my son because he really acts like a gentleman. 

 My daughter and my other son tease him and say that he talks like a “white guy” because he does not swear.  The way that he expresses himself is very different than the other children/teens in this neighborhood.  I want to take him home because his behavior is so good but I know that he needs to finish his education. 

 Generally, I thank god that I found this school for my son.  I prayed and they were answered.  This is the best thing that could have happened. 

Sincerely,

 Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #48

(Connecticut)

My son is currently 41 years old and has a significant history of exhibiting very severe and dangerous behaviors. Although testing indicates that he falls within the average range of cognitive functioning, he suffers from a diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder, and has a severe case of Borderline Personality Disorder.

My son was born August, 1964 in Bridgeport, CT.  Prior to his admission to JRC in April, 1992 he had been in a state mental health forensic facility (Whiting Forensic in Middletown, CT) for three years because no other type of mental health placement in Connecticut had enough staff resources and security protective systems to protect him from his own self-dangerous behavior.  He had been hospitalized in psychiatric settings 28 times beginning at age 15. At various times he had been diagnosed as having Chronic Undifferentiated Schizophrenia, Schizophrenia Paranoid Type, Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type, and various Personality Disorders (Borderline, Depressive, Mixed, Histrionic, and Dependent).

Earlier hospitalizations were for suicidal thoughts and depressed mood. Subsequent hospitalizations were for things like auditory hallucinations commanding him to hurt himself or others, take his clothes off, or commit suicide; verbal threats to hurt himself, jump off a bridge, shoot himself, swallow razor blades, set himself on fire, or walk in traffic; and actual attempts to hurt himself such as swallowing a thumbtack and cutting his wrists with glass.  In 1989, while hospitalized, he swallowed pencils, toothbrushes, a chess piece, a pen, half a piece of soap, and engaged in biting himself. One swallowing episode resulted in a perforation of his esophagus, and during another episode he broke his nose by hitting it with a telephone.  In October of 1989 he damaged his right eye by gouging it when his restraint was loosened so that he could feed himself. The lens was damaged, and he has poor vision remaining in that eye.

Prior to JRC admission, attempts to treat him with medications and psychotherapy did not produce any lasting success. Some of the medications used during his psychiatric history were:

      Anti-          Anti-                Anti-                Anti-          Mood               Beta

psychotics        anxiety        depressants      convulsants Stabilizers         Blocker

Clozaril       Amytal       Anafranil           Depakene         Catapres          Inderal

Haldol              Ativan        Desyrel       Dilantin       Lithium Carb.

Mellaril       Benedryl     Norpramin        Klonopin

Navane            Valium  Prozac              Tegretol

Prolixin       Xanax        Tofranil      

Stelazine

Thorazine

Trilafon

ORAP

In mid-1989 at Whiting Forensic Institute he underwent 14 sessions of Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) over a 6-week period without successful results. ECT involves the passage of electric current through the brain, with the result of inducing seizure-type activity throughout virtually the entire central nervous system. At a later point, while in full restraint, he ripped his scrotum and required stitches.

Just prior to admission to JRC, my son was being considered for the psychosurgical technique known as “stereotactic cingulotomy,” a procedure involving bilateral lesioning (destruction) of the cingulate bundles in the brain with thermistor electrodes. In short, this would have consisted of the irreversible destruction of specific brain tissue.  Prior to embarking on this last-resort treatment procedure with possible irreversible negative side effects, my late husband and I along with his service providers and attorney-advocate sought placement at JRC for comprehensive behavior modification treatment including the use of contingent electric shock. My son was subsequently admitted to JRC in April of 1992.

Since his admission to JRC and treatment with the positive reward program supplemented with the GED there has been a significant improvement in his behavior as well as his overall functioning and quality of life.  He has been faded from all of his medications and is in good health overall.  Over the course of his years at JRC, he has been relatively symptom free most of the time; however, he has had occasional periods of confused thinking with depressive and paranoid thoughts. He could decompensate at any time, as he has done in the past, and quick action must be taken to deal with these regressions which are few and far between.  JRC continues to work with him to provide him with the most effective and least restrictive treatment.  Currently, he is faded from wearing the GED 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and has been maintaining appropriate behavior for over 6 months.  He works independently for 2 hours a day in the housekeeping department and is eligible for multiple field trips out in the community.  He takes guitar lessons on a weekly basis and is planning supervised trip to Graceland for this summer.  As a huge Elvis fan, this has been a big dream for him for many years but has not been attainable up to this point due to his behaviors.  My son is able to come home to visit his family occasionally and as his behavior continues to improve these visits will increase. 

I can not even begin to imagine what his life would be like without JRC.  There is absolutely no other treatment available that would allow him to function as independently and safely as he does right now.  I am thankful every day that my son is alive, not hurting himself, not hurting anyone else and not on medication that produces severe side-effects.  As a parent I want what is best for my son.    I truly believe that the behavioral programming at JRC has saved my son’s life and given him a quality of life that he and I can be proud of. 

Sincerely,

 Mother of JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #49

(New York)

My son was enrolled in various special education schools . For some reason, which we never understood, he stopped going to school; he refused to get on the bus, refused any transportation that would take him to school. We live in Far Rockaway and he was sent to a school in Elmhurst, Queens. Thinking it was due to the distance and that he was on the bus for 1 1/2 hours, he was transferred to a wonderful school in Far Rockaway, but his refusal to go to school continued. The school and bus company tried everything they could to help him attend school; they were very helpful. ACS was involved, thinking it was educational neglect. Eventually, the case was closed. The whole family tried very hard to get him go to school, but he absolutely refused. Neither behavioral intervention nor any other means could get him onto the bus or even into a taxi. He was also beginning to refuse to go anywhere, including the doctor. For two years he was out of school. The district provided home instruction, but that is only a temporary intervention and was not consistent.

Ms. Lucy McEntee, CBST at District 27, Region 5, referred my son to the Judge Rotenberg Center. This referral saved his life. At that point he was over 300 pounds and refusing to dress or even go outside. Due to his weight, he had difficulty breathing. Since he has been at JRC, he has lost over 100 pounds. His behaviors have decreased. He is off psychotropic medications. He is going to all classes, going out into the community, and has made enormous progress. His speech alone has improved tremendously. Because of the work and dedication of all staff at JRC, my son is on his way to being an educated, social, and productive member of the community. JRC is a wonderful institution and they continue to help my son in every way!

My son has come along way, with JRC's help; if it wasn't for JRC, I don’t know what would happen to my son.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #50

Before my son 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. My son 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, he was kicked out of five treatment centers because they could not handle his dangerous behaviors or provide him with an education.

He 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. My son is doing well in his academically and has made tremendous gains socially.  He now loves to talk to people and help out in the class room. This is something he could not do six years ago due to his aggressive behaviors. His dangerous behaviors have dropped considerably and I don't have to worry half as much as I used to. JRC has helped my son 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,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #51

(New York)

We are the parents of a 13 year old child with disabilities, attending Judge Rotenberg Educational Center (JRC) in Canton, MA.

According to IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act): “all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education and related services designed to meet their unique needs.”

New York State has seriously FAILED  my son and the taxpayers, by not offering appropriate in-state educational facilities for students with disabilities. Unfortunately, we have been forced to send our child hundreds of miles away to receive an education.  

Our son’s problems seem to have been evident at a very young age. The day after his first DPT shot at 8 weeks old, he had to be hospitalized for 5 days, due to high fever, and vomiting. The ear-piercing screams that came from him were the scariest things we have ever heard in our lives. He seemed physically fine afterwards, however as he got older his neurological problems surfaced. He was diagnosed with possible ADHD when he was 5 years old. It seemed to be the “flavor of the month” of disorders to label problem children with at the time. He was then put on Ritalin, which literally made him look like a crack-head. His eyes were glassy, he had racing thoughts and speech, and he lost so much weight he looked like a concentration camp victim. 

Our son has never had a firm diagnosis. With all the evaluations over the years, we have been told that he is too young to “pigeon-hole” him. We have been told that he has “components” of several disorders including: ADHD, Bi-Polar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, PDD, and Asperger’s Syndrome. He is labeled by the school district simply as Emotionally Disturbed. 

What’s criminal here is that the NYS school districts essentially force parents to put their children on psychiatric drugs that can cause permanent damage to them. 

Between the ages of 5 and 12 Patrick has been on 15 different psychiatric drugs including: Ritalin, Dexedrine, Risperdal, Wellbutron, Effexor, Lithium, Depakote, Seroquil, Topamax, Abilify, Buspar, Zyprexa, Zoloft, and Geodon. He has also had more than a dozen shots of Haldol.  

Our son has suffered several drug-induced side effects in the past including: seizures, thyroid problems, elevated cholesterol, migraine headaches, skin rash, speech problems, extreme weight gain, numbness, severe mental confusion, coordination problems, suicidal and homicidal thoughts, reckless, violent, destructive behavior, anxiety and paranoia. Some of these side effects he had to be hospitalized for.  

He has been in BOCES, Sagamore, and Woodward Children’s Center, and each placement was worse than the one before.

Our son has an IQ of 117, and is in the 8^th grade. As of April, 2005 he was working at a    2^nd -4^th grade academic level. His physical outbursts had gotten to a severity and frequency that the district did not have anywhere to place him on Long Island. It seemed to be the consensus of the school district, school staff, and doctors that he needed to be placed in a long-term institution setting at our expense. They said they would pay for the education part, but the rest of the cost would be thrown into our laps. This was unacceptable to us, and after an exhaustive search we suggested JRC as an alternative. The district was pushing for other, cheaper residential programs, which were NOT appropriate for him. One was a farm that offers “animal therapy” as treatment. How insulting to our intelligence to presume that we would think grooming farm animals would help with his social behavior. Fortunately for our son, JRC was the only place with an immediate opening and we pressured the district to send him there due to his recent 2 week mental hospitalization. He was admitted on April 22, 2005.

Granted, JRC is not for everyone, but they address the unique needs of our son by customizing their educational and behavioral program to his individual problems and needs. Their program has taken my son OFF the drugs, and emphasizes a healthy diet. He has dropped down to a healthy weight and has NO more physical health problems that he used to have while on the psychiatric drugs. His mind is CLEAR, and has managed in less than a year to raise his academic level dramatically. He is currently working between 6^th-8^th grades in his studies. His physical outbursts have decreased dramatically after being taken off the drugs, and supported by the positive rewards system. He still has to be physically restrained, but the frequency and duration have made a steady decline since his admission.

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #52

(New York)

My brother is now 18 years old, and has been attending JRC since he was 12 yrs old. Let me give you a little history. My brother was born premature at 28 weeks, but did well until he was 18 months when he started regressing, developed febrile seizures, and stopped talking. He was then diagnosed with Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder, then Bipolar Disorder, and then finally Landau Kleffner Syndrome. During this time, he was put on many different neurological, and psychotropic drugs. At one point he was also treated with high dose steroids as a last resort and as an attempt to treat Landau Kleffner Syndrome. All of which failed, and actually he became worse. A also attended special education programs such as Rosemary Kennedy, AHRC, JCC, and was involved in many after school programs.

My brother became so much worse that he turned psychotic, ran away at least twice from well known programs, once found at a gas station running away from school, and another time found on train tracks moments before the train passed through. Police and a helicopter search were involved. My brother could have been dead and or abducted twice. At one point, my brother was on so many psychotropic drugs that he actually developed a life threatening Lithium toxicity.

It got to the point that he became completely psychotic, and police had to be called several times to stop his aggression, and violent behavior toward us and himself. My mom sustained multiple injuries. There were multiple inpatient psychiatric admissions. None of the Neurologists, or Psychiatrists was able to control him enough for us to be able to care for him.

The inevitable doom had come; my family needed some serious intervention. The school had applied for special homes that my brother could get the appropriate treatment in. TWELVE programs rejected him from the state of New York. Then one program did accept him in Massachusetts, JRC.

I started to do extensive research on their program, and found out all about JRC to include the GED, and even went for the interview with my brother and my family to see JRC. As our last resort, and only hope we agreed to enroll my brother there. Believe me when I tell you that the day we dropped him of in MA and drove back to NY, it felt like someone we loved dearly had died. It felt like mourning, and in a sense a little part of us all died.

Well guess what? It was the best decision of our lives and his. In a short amount of time, he got better. He is now off all his meds, and everyone has a little of their life back. His home visits have been pleasant, he has been able to visit me here in Florida, and I have even stayed in a Hotel with my mom and my 3 yr. old daughter with him and had a wonderful time. My brother never got his speech back, but his knowledge has excelled so much so that the school is looking into getting a computerized voice box for him.

I never thought I would have my brother back. My family and I owe it all to JRC. I love my brother dearly and so do my parents.  JRC have saved all of our lives.  By the way, my brother is much more happier now that he is calmer, more focused, and off all his meds.  As a medical professional as a physician assistant, I have done extensive research, and have sought many avenues for his care, and the bottom line is NO ONE HAS HELPED LIKE JRC.   My only wish is that JRC would branch into NY so that he can be closer to my parents.


Desperately Yours,

Sister of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #53

(New York)

A brief history about my son:

 The State of New York has no program for my son because he had a very life threatening condition.  My son had run away from an after school program and was found on a railroad tracks seconds before the train hit him. I had to call 911 almost everyday since we could not control his violent behavior.  He was put on five different medications to control his behaviors and as a result he went toxic on one of his medications and almost died.

The Judge Rotenberg Center has done wonders for my son.  They have taken my son off all medications and he is no longer running away.  He has also been able to visit us (which we thought will never happen in our lifetime). We literally owe our son’s life to JRC and all this has been possible because of their different treatment approaches that my son is alive today and is able to enjoy life. 

Thank you so kindly,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #54

(New York)

My son is a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center. Before my son was placed at JRC, he was uncontrollable at home. He would become aggressive when he was frustrated. He threw his brother to the floor and scratched, to the point that he needed treatment in the emergency room.

 It was difficult for my son to communicate his needs with us and he would become frustrated often. He had a very difficult time in school and was not making progress academically.

 Before, my son was on several medications to control his behavior (some of the medications are Ativan, Zyprexa, Metidate, etc). Since my son has come to JRC he has made drastic improvements. He is now able to be free of psychotropic medications and be educated and engage in social activities with his peers and with us as a family. It is very rare that he gets aggressive with others or hurts himself. All of this is possible because of the structure and rewards in addition to the GED that my son has been able to accomplish this goal. He is making progress all of the time.

 He is making steady progress academically. He is improving his receptive vocabulary skills and is working on computer skills. His teachers say that he is a pleasure to have in class and always has a smile on his face. We decided to place him at the Judge Rotenberg Center to improve the quality of my son’s life. It was not an easy decision, but it is a decision that has vastly improved Hassan’s life and has improved our family.

Sincerely,

Parent of a JRC student

Return to top

Letter #55

(New York)

We are the parents of a 23 year old young man who suffers from autism. He is the youngest of four children.  Our son seemed normal until he was about two and a half, at which time he began to regress.  He stopped talking, started acting strangely, and seemed to withdraw into himself.  After many weeks of trying to convince doctors that this was not normal behavior for a 2 year old, we received a diagnosis of autism.  He began school at the age of 3 in a so called "rewards only" program that specialized in autism. 

By the age of 6 he had begun to develop some aggressive and destructive behaviors and by the age of 9 he was a handful!  He would bite, pinch, hit, and kick others and he was very strong even at that age.  In one week, he destroyed our TV, VCR, microwave, and threw the vacuum down the stairs.  Around this time he was labeled "rare and complex" by our school district. He could also be a wonderful and loving child when not displaying these behaviors.  We as a family just loved him so much and just kept thinking things would turn around and the bad behaviors would go away.  They didn't!  Thus began a series of medications, you name it; they tried it on him (blood pressure meds, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, anti-seizure, etc.).  We might add that the effects of most of these medications have not been studied on young children.  Our son now suffers from permanent tremors in his hands.  In addition to medications, the behaviors were dealt with by restraining him (including mechanical restraints as he got older) and putting him in time-out.

At around age 15, he was sent to Bancroft Neurobehavioral in New Jersey.  This place was a nightmare!  Amongst many other things, there was no plan to deal with the behaviors and we felt things were actually being made worse.  In addition, we had to call a day ahead of time to let them know we were coming and often once there had to wait for a long time at the outside perimeter to be let in.  At JRC, we often show up at unannounced, day or night, at the center or at the residence.  We had him pulled out of Bancroft after only 3 months.

A consultant, from Devereaux, was hired to develop a program especially for him.  It was supposed to reward him for the positive things he did and keep building on that.  It didn't work!  Over the years many of the so-called experts in this type of behavior were called for consultations.  The next few years passed by with pretty much the same patterns of behavior.  He would sometimes go through a good period for a few days.  We were always hopeful that this was a sign that he was changing, but he wasn't.  He was growing increasingly bigger (6'2'' and ~200lbs), stronger, and lightning quick, so his aggressions were increasingly more difficult to deal with.  It could take several people to tackle him to the ground and restrain him.  Many times staff and our son were injured. 

About 3 years ago, things went from bad to terrible.  He began to try to bite anyone that got near to him.  Biting has always been his worst and most difficult behavior to deal with.  The doctor began to increase his meds and to add new ones.  We hear people refer to their children as "zombies" on the meds; that wasn't the case with our son.  He just kept coming; they didn't slow him down at all.  At one point he was on 2 to 3 times the recommended dose of 2 powerful meds with a couple other meds thrown in.  They weren't slowing him down, but they were slowly killing him.  His liver enzymes were dangerously high, his cholesterol and triglycerides were high, and his white blood count and platelets were dangerously low.  He vomited, almost continuously, throughout the day.  Finally, a GI doctor said he had to come off of these particular meds.  We might add that once on these kinds of medications, it is no easy task to come off.  You don’t just stop taking them.  You must be slowly weaned off and there are many side effects from coming off.  Then began many trials of others medications and their side effects.  It became a vicious circle.

He ended up in a private psychiatric facility for about 10 days.  This was a place the doctor said he would be safe (as opposed to the state mental hospital).  He was kept in a dimly-lit room, not much bigger than a walk-in closet, on a filthy blood, urine, and vomit soaked mattress.  There was someone posted at the door to make sure he didn't try to come out.  He was covered in bruises and cuts.  Keep in mind this is a non-verbal individual in an adult body but with the cognitive abilities of a preschooler.  We can only imagine what un-supervised and un-monitored staff does when no one is around to see.  After leaving this facility, he spent most of the next several months pacing, crying, and vomiting.

There were nationwide searches being done for a placement for him and experts were being consulted.  One after another of these "reward only" places refused to take him after reviewing his behavior and seeing how many staff he had injured.  He was considered a liability.  We were devastated each time we were told another place had refused to take him.  We were losing our beautiful son and were helpless to do anything about it.  It felt like we were all being slowly buried alive.  We tried bringing him home, hoping that maybe we could calm him, but he would attack us.  We had to resort to using pepper spray and calling 911.

After about a year and half of this, we had two possible placements for him, the Judge Rotenberg Center and a place in Kansas.  After visiting both places, we decided that the place in Kansas, although well-intentioned, could not deal with his behavior.  Despite everything, it was no easy decision to place him at JRC because we had always heard such negative things about "aversive-therapy".    

Our son went to JRC a little over a year and half ago and he has come so far.  Soon after going to JRC, the aggressive behaviors stopped.  The aversive therapy, along with a lot of rewards, and a very healthy diet has turned his behavior around.  He is no longer on any medication and is quite healthy and happy!  Sometimes when we take him back after a visit, he skips through the halls, smiling, and hugging staff members along the way.  He has been able to come and stay at the hotel with us for visits.  We take him shopping, out to eat, and for walks, which he really enjoys.  This past Christmas we were able to bring him home for the holidays.  We can't even begin to tell you what a joy that was!  In short, our son has his life back and we have our son back.  We can never get enough hugs or hear enough of his laughter.

We have witnessed many families praising what JRC has done for their child.  We are very thankful for this program and what it has been able to do for our son. We can only imagine where our son would be (or if he would even be alive) if he had not gone to JRC.

Sincerely,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #56

(New York)

My daughter has been put in this program so that she may receive the help she needs and so far she has been getting it. Sometimes she does have to be put in restraint because of her behavior and it hasn’t effected her negatively in anyway but has helped her. To my knowledge, this is the only program that will accept my daughter and due to her behavior I am unable to care for her myself I think it is important that she stays in tins program until it’s her time to leave so that she may continue to receive the help that she needs. Again, I think you should not close the JRC program because it’s the best place for my child and others.

Sincerely yours

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #57

(New York)

Our son has been a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) in Canton, MA for five years. Our Son, age 22, has high functioning autism with severe obsessive-compulsive behaviors.  We know our son better than anyone else and we have been in the mental health/educational field for over thirty years. As a social worker, as a teacher, and as loving parents, only desperation would compel us to consider that treatment that is used on an extremely small population. That time came about three years ago. He was hitting rock bottom in his second residential school. His history of numerous medications, prescribed by five very well known and respected psychiatrists in the field of developmental disabilities, positive behavioral therapies, counseling, hospitalization, special day and residential schools had not been successful. We did not know if aversive therapy would work, but we felt we didn’t have anything to lose since he was on his way to being warehoused in an institution.  

Our son began this therapy three years ago, after six months of positive only programming which once again proved unsuccessful. Now his major behaviors (aggression, property destruction, non compliance) occur so infrequently. His dramatically improved behavior has enabled him to benefit from his educational program and he is now preparing for the GED exam.

Sincerely,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #58

I am the parent of one of the children at the Judge Rotenberg Center.  I feel it is important to share with you the story of my son.  My son was admitted to JRC just over three years ago.  He is twenty-three years old and has Autism.  Before going to JRC he was at the Devereux Kanner Center in Pennsylvania.  He had been there since the age of fifteen.  He was taking about six different medications at the time and was very self abusive. At times he was out of control, hitting, slapping, and punching himself.  During some of my visits with him he would attack me.  As you can imagine, this made it nearly impossible for me to spend any time with him.  In the period of time that he was at this facility he not only became more abusive towards himself but also with others. He was thin and over medicated, bruised, beaten by other consumers (or so I was told) and he was constantly running away.  My son was truly unmanageable.

In February of 2003, he was admitted to JRC.  After just six months I noticed a huge difference in my child. He had been weaned off of all psychotropic medications and he was no longer hitting himself.  He looked healthier and happier than ever before.   The care and supervision being offered by the staff at JRC is the best I have seen.  He is now able to work consistently on tasks. My son’s self-abusive and aggressive behaviors are now under control.  I have been able to spend time with my son and am able to bring him home for Christmas.  His father and I are truly amazed.   

I know that if my son was not at JRC, his quality of life would not be what it is today. I am a true believer in JRC’s treatment approach as they have given my son a second chance.  It is because of JRC and their treatment that my son is able to experience life.

 Best Regards,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #59

In the school year prior to my son’s arrival at JRC, he was in danger of failing most academic subjects. My son would become verbally oppositional, breaking or attempting to bend the rules whenever the opportunity arose. He would claim that others were expecting too much from him, leading to failure and criticism. The school attempted to intervene by having him repeat the 10th grade in a 12:1:1 classroom. This was ineffective as he continued to refuse to comply with school rules. When he was not sleeping in class, he was speaking out of turn and becoming physically aggressive with the staff.  My son reportedly would wander away from the group when transitioning and become extremely physical, running in the halls, running into the classroom, getting up from his seat and distracting other students. He would also become argumentative with peers and adults. These types of behaviors led to him being separated from his class for behavioral problems.

My son was described at his last school as needing more than the average amount of “time-outs” with the crisis intervention staff. In peer interactions, he was subject to impulsive violent outbursts.  He would become verbally aggressive, silly, and make inappropriate sounds. He purposely completed assignments incorrectly to gain attention or avoid tasks.

My son has historically had great difficulties interacting with his peers in an appropriate manner. He has a history of teasing peers with comments that are annoying or hurtful to them. He would also perseverate on tasks or social issues that arose. He was often unavailable for instruction due to being withdrawn or self-absorbed. From 1/04 to 6/04, for a portion of each day, the principal worked with P individually to keep him focused on academics and to prevent him from harming others. Unfortunately, he still did not progress academically and his behavior continued to be aggressive and oppositional whenever he was not working with the principal. His behaviors were beginning to approach extreme levels when, on 9/29/04, P was found to have two weapons on his person while at school – a box cutter and butterfly knife. He was flashing a knife in front of peers, threatening harm. This led to his immediate removal from Martin de Porres HS.  Subsequently, he received Home Instruction for the remainder of the school year. Instruction was planned for P for the summer prior to his JRC admission, but he refused to attend school, stating that the summer is “his time.”

Since his admission to JRC, my son’s response to treatment has been variable.  While he has demonstrated that he is capable of up to two weeks without significant inappropriate behavior, he has also exhibited significantly aggressive, dangerous, destructive, and disruptive episodes that have endangered his own safety as well as the safety of others.  During several aggressive episodes, he rushed at staff persons to charge, jump upon, and assault them.  He can be extremely disruptive. He often talks loudly about his intent to cause harm to others, flaunts his disregard for rules, attempts to escape and bend rules by lying and manipulating staff.  He would play a primary role in provoking, agitating, and instigating other students to join in creating aggressive and dangerous situations (e.g., attacking staff members that are in the process of working with other students). Moreover, he had participated in two episodes in which he and a group of other students coordinated an attack against staff.  In both episodes, he physically assaulted staff members while instigating other students to do the same.

During behavioral episodes, he had not been able to be maintained in his regularly assigned classroom.  He has required separation from his peers in a staff-supervised room where he has no access to other students.  My son has also been suspended from attending school at the main facility of the Judge Rotenberg Center due to the high intensity and dangerousness of his aggression.  Despite these interventions, he has required emergency physical restraint, for aggressive or dangerous behaviors. His academic progress has been significantly impeded as a result of the frequency and intensity of his inappropriate behaviors and the subsequent interventions needed to maintain safety.  He has also required the use of transportation restraints on a regular basis between school and the residence to maintain safety due to threatening and dangerous behaviors exhibited on the bus and prior to transportation. 

My son’s treatment plan was approved on November 16, 2005 which included the use of the GED skin shock treatment.   Prior to the GED, my son exhibited 6, 214 dangerous behaviors. Since the GED, he has exhibited 7 behaviors.  His treatment team has begun to fade the GED from his program and he is for the first time in a long time able to sit in a classroom and learn to his abilities.  My son is happier because of JRC and the GED and what it has afforded him.  The Judge Rotenberg Center has given him a second chance that no other program has been able to give to him.  He is attending school and getting good grades and has started a job with the training department in which he gives tours to all new staff members that want to work at JRC.

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #61

(New York)

I am a parent of a 26 year old adult son with Mental Retardation and a Schizophrenic Axis. 

As I write my story, my eyes fill with tears of remembering the incident I had in 1992.  My son, then 12 years old, was out of control and after beating me up at a McDonald’s Restaurant; he was escorted to the emergency room at Bellevue Hospital by two police officers.  I was devastated by the nightmare I had at the emergency room at Bellevue Hospital of NYC, when I tried to convinced staff to have my son admitted to the hospital for a reevaluation after their outpatient treatment failed to work.  Instead, the hospital called the Administration for Children Services when I refused to take him home.

 By age 12, still an infant, my son was a victim of child abuse and neglect at the hands of New York State. Due to lack of supervision my son suffered horrific bruises, cuts, bite marks, and lacerations that covered 90% of his body and it cause him to be hospitalized, because of lack of appropriate placements my son was kept in the hospital for almost one year. He was discharged from several residences due to his explosive aggressive behavior that put at risk other participants, staff and his own safety.

 His last placement was a well known school in Pennsylvania that was approved by the by the Board of Education where he spent two years. He was engaged in a positive behavior reinforcement program and tried for almost every medication available; however, my son condition did not improve. It was recommended that he’ll be discharge because the school no longer could educate him. The recommendations made by the Board of Education then, were to have him go back into the hospital or find a lock up institution that would take him. After a brief fight with the Board of Education, I have decided that my son needed a new approach to therapy because of his obsessive compulsive disorder and resistance to medication.  

 I visited the Judge Rotenberg Center in 1995; I became hopeful and impressed with my observations of their structured behavioral techniques, a combination of positive reinforcement combine with aversive therapy. My son was admitted to the program against the Board of Education recommendations, but on my own will.  JRC began a detoxification plan to free him from all medications and after six months of therapy some of my son maladaptive behaviors came into control and he was able to engaged in an educational program.  Then I consented to the GED therapy that was approved by the court to treat his unpredictable aggressive outburst and most problematic behavior.  He received the GED, and after 11 applications, my son was successfully taken off the therapy.  However, the program structure environment has been a deterrent for his aggressive episodes.   He has remained off the GED for many years and I consider him to be a success story. 

 While at JRC, he participated in the Special Olympics, obtained his Special Education High School Diploma and within the past years he has been participating in a vocational program where he works for an outside contractor. My family is very proud of my son’s accomplishments and grateful for all the pain staking work that the Judge Rotenberg Center has done.

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #62

(New York)

Our son is a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton, Massachusetts.  He carries multiple diagnosis including Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Psychosis, Mood Disorder, and ADHD.  He had been in special education settings since a young age due to his behavior.  These various programs were not able to accommodate our son’s needs.  His inappropriate behavior included being highly impulsive, running away, and stealing.  At times he would refuse to be cooperative with authority figures and would often challenge adults.  Due to his volatile behavior, he was psychiatrically hospitalized on multiple occasions.  He required physical restraint to keep him safe in addition to various psychotropic medications, which he would often refuse to take.  My husband and I would receive phone calls from R’s school requesting that we pick him up because of his disruptive behavior.  It was so frequent that we were often missing work and in danger of losing our jobs.  R’s behavior was so out of control that he could no longer function in a school setting and he began receiving home instruction until an appropriate residential treatment facility could be located.

My husband and I eventually received information about the Judge Rotenberg Center and began to do some research.  We were able to locate a substantial amount of information including the various reward systems used, monitoring systems, educational software, and before and after video of JRC students.  In addition, we were impressed and relieved that JRC minimized, and in most cases, discontinued the use of medication.  This was extremely important to us as our son had been on medication since the age of two.  He was now twelve and it was obvious that the various forms of medication and treatments; including hospitalizations, counseling, and therapy were not effective in managing our son.  In addition, he was not receiving an appropriate education and his behavioral issues were not allowing him to make any academic gains.

Our son entered the Judge Rotenberg Center on November 15, 2002.  Right away we were able to see a difference in our son.  Within two months time he was no longer taking any medication and no longer experiencing any of the side effects caused by being overly medicated.  Each time we spoke with him he sounded better and he would often comment that he felt better.  We were impressed by the positive programming used to reinforce his appropriate behavior. Our son’s behavior program did (and still does) require the use of supplemental treatment, the aversive therapy.  This was something that was not even discussed or presented as an option until all other possibilities had been exhausted.  Though he had made some progress, it was not enough to ensure he was receiving the best possible education.  Both my husband and I had the opportunity to experience the GED (Graduated Electronic Decelerator) and agreed that it was mild and felt similar to a sting.  After careful consideration, we consented to the supplemental treatment knowing that we had explored all other possibilities and that there was no other option. 

Since his admission to JRC, he continues to make substantial progress.  His math has improved from a second grade level to a fourth grade level and his reading has improved from a third grade level to a seventh grade level. He can be managed in a classroom and works hard on all of his assignments.  We are especially appreciative of JRC for all they have done for him and know that he is getting a quality education.  He continues to make progress everyday.  All those involved in his life have seen the positive changes.  My husband and I are now able to sleep at night knowing that our son is safe.

Sincerely,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #63

(New York)

My nephew is a student at the Judge Rotenberg Center. He came to me at the age of 4; at which time I was told that he had emotional problems. He was placed in Special Education and at that time he was not medicated. I didn’t know he needed medication because I did not know him. For a year and a half I dealt with him without medication as I had thought his behavior was due to him being put into foster care and that he did not feel he had a sense of family, love and care; I thought that was all he needed. Eventually, I realized that he needed the medication because he was destructive, aggressive and abusive towards other children and adults, unable to tolerate being in a classroom and used profanity constantly. When he was on medication it slowed him down enough to focus but had side effects such muscle spasms and because he fainted twice I would have to take him to the hospital where he was given a monitor to regulate his heartbeat because of low blood pressure. Effects of the medication lasted only about three months with all the side effects and then we would have to start on another medication which again lasted only a short time. The strength of his medication was that of which is usually given to an adult.

My life dealing with my nephew was a constant struggle because of me having to leave my job early too many times. He was being abusive with the babysitter and at school (not being able to get anyone to baby sit him as no one wanted to deal with him) and I had to stay home with him and numerous other things he was doing, I was in the process of losing my job. I knew at that time he needed much more help than I can give him and made the decision to send him to the Judge Rotenberg Center. I didn’t feel that a child should be on medication to modify his life and behavior; that is what I liked about JRC they didn’t use medication.

When he was sent to JRC his behavior became worse as his medication was gradually lowered. Once he was finally off the medication he became aggressive and his behavior had gotten worse. At that time we knew he had to be put on GED therapy. Since he’s been on this therapy his behavior has improved; I see the improvement. He knows there are consequences if he misbehaves. He’s even won an award; something he could have never achieved. I would be lost without JRC. As a parent to see your child go through what my nephew has gone through in the past is devastating.

Sincerely,

Aunt/Guardian of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #64

(New York)

Our son has been attending JRC since the age of 12.  His placement came about when his behaviors became extremely self-injurious and life threatening.  It was after much research and visits to numerous facilities recommended by the Dept. of Mental Retardation in New York that we chose JRC.  During the years that he

 resided at home he was enrolled in a day program since the age of 2.  Staff in that facility were trained well enough to work with children with his condition who are mentally challenged and autistic.  He suffers with generalized grand-mal seizures from age of 6 months old and was diagnosed with medical condition of Tuberous Sclerosis.  From the age of 6 B commenced to display self-injurious behavior of slapping, pinching, and biting himself (sometimes others) to the extent that by looking at him he seemed like an abused and battered child.  He also exhibited rumination and projective vomiting which has caused him ulcers and scarring of the trachea and stomach.  Due to the slapping of the face and head he suffered a detached retina which had to be surgically re-attached.  Because of all the aversive behaviors the day program no longer was functional and staff could not meet his needs nor were they able to work with him.

 Honestly speaking it was a heart wrenching decision to place him but on our first visit to JRC we knew that this was where our son would find a safe heaven after we were given a presentation of their program.

 We have learned through the years how capable, compassionate, and well trained their staff is which makes us extremely comfortable in knowing his every need is being met in a professional manner and safe environment.  Upon the presentation for the use of aversion therapy we were somewhat apprehensive but heard of the proposal and decided to give it a chance if it meant the possibility of it being beneficial to his well being.  Skepticism and apprehension led to acceptance because more than once it has served to save his life.  Our son’s aversive behaviors plummeted and he started to smile again.  He spends most of his days happy and relaxed and his skin healed.  We couldn’t be happier at his progress, were it not for JRC and this program we fully believe he wouldn’t have been able to make it this far. 

Respectfully Yours,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #65

My brother is a 39-year-old student/resident at the Judge Rotenberg Center, and has been placed there since January 1978, when it was then known as the Behavior Research Institute. I believe I can lend a unique perspective to how his life and my family's life has evolved in the last 28 years.

My brother was diagnosed as severly autistic when he was about 2 years old, and back then, there really was no defined way to "treat" him. Over the years, he was placed in different "special schools" and environments and treated with all kinds of medications for 10 years. He was violent at times, and was hitting and biting himself to the point where my parents and I had to do all we could to keep him from harming himself.

In addition, these "special schools" in my home state were nothing more than a place for my parents to drop him off in the morning and pick him up in the afternoon. There was no concerted effort to modify his self-destructive behaviors. In addition, he would come home with bruises and sometimes lumps on his head from being stricken by other children. I can't tell you how many tears my parents and I shed over this situation.

By the time my brother was 12 years old, there was really no place that could care for him and help him overcome his difficulties. My family was literally at the end of their rope. There was no way we could care for him at home.

My parents then made the most difficult and heart-wrenching decision they ever had to make. They decided to place him at the Behavior Research Institute (BRI), which had a program that would wean him off the several medications he was on that were turning him into a walking zombie and would work on modifying his behavior so he could live in a structured environment.

As I said earlier, the decision to send a child to live many miles from home was the most painful thing I have ever witnessed in my entire life. The day my brother left for Providence, Rhode Island accompanied by my parents was the saddest day in our lives. After my parents left him in BRI's care, they were literally destroyed. When they got home, the three of us sobbed uncontrollably until we had nothing left in our bodies. But despite the tears, we knew it was the right thing to do.

It has been 28 years since that day, and now my brother is reaching his 40th birthday. He is still severely autistic and is almost non-verbal--no amount of behavior modification or wishing and hoping is ever going to change that. However, he has progressed to the point where he can care for himself in a structured and supervised environment, and can manage to work in a small on-campus workshop where he can be productive and have some dignity in his life.

In addition, my family and I know that the staff of the Judge Rotenberg Center love and care for my brother as if he was a member of their own respective families. My parents know that he is well cared for and can rest easier knowing that he is OK.
 

Sincerely,

Brother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #66

(New York)

      Clearly, we tried positive reinforcement, and psychotropic medications, for over 10 years, and the GED device and JRC have accomplished more in just a few short weeks, then the treatments of the previous 10 years. 

Sincerely,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #67

(Massachusetts)

We are the parents of a young man currently served at The Judge Rotenberg Educational Center (JRC) in Canton, Massachusetts.  We live in Massachusetts.  Our son is diagnosed with Autism and Severe Mental Retardation, and attended and/or was rejected from many programs, including 3 emergency placements at a state institution, before being placed at JRC in 1983 at the age of 18.

 Since our son entered this program, his progress has been amazing.  He has progressed from exhibiting severe aggressive and self-abusive behaviors, including biting, hitting, kicking and head butting others, biting himself, banging his head, poking objects in his ears and slamming his body against the back of chairs and beds, to working in a workshop and washing school vans.

 This program, JRC, has been successful through the use of the GED, a brief skin shock device, which is used as part of a comprehensive behavioral treatment plan, which also provides powerful rewards.  Thanks to this program, our son was able to have surgery to correct his severe scoliosis, curvature of the spine.  Prior to this treatment, he was unable to have this corrective surgery, since it required weeks of recovery.  It was important that he remained still and cooperative, rather than having the tantrums he had before JRC.

Sincerely, 

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #68

(New York)

I am the mother of a 14 year old child who has been placed at the Judge Rotenberg Center since October 17, 2005.

Before he was placed at the Judge Rotenberg Center, my son had been placed at various schools in the New York City Public School System. None were able to help a student with his unique special needs.  He has been diagnosed with ADHD, Depression, ODD, PTSD, Anxiety Disorder, and, ultimately, with Bipolar Disorder.

My son has a history of depression and for many various reasons I had to take him to the emergency room because he attempted to take his life. Ernesto loses control easily, and becomes violent. When he does, he destroys things that are around him. These things are devastating for a mother and father to watch.

Each time my son was transferred to a different school, in time, there would be major problems, his behaviors got worse,  he was victim of innumerable events, including suspensions, verbal abuse, physical  abuse and threats to call to "downtown" so that they would remove him from his home and his family. In the end, a teacher was calling daily saying that they were going to call the police on my son. One day I was called, and the teacher said to me, “Ms., your son is arrested downstairs.”  When I arrived in desperation at the school, it was a lie. It is because of all of these innumerable experiences that I am writing this letter.

The main point of this is that public school system, that I trusted the care of my son to, does not have the training or the tools necessary to teach children with these types and severity of disorders. It is my duty as a mother to look for and find a school where they could help my son and prepare him for a future in society, and I did it.

For that reason I remain surprised that the media has tried to state that children are tortured at JRC.  Torture is to have to your son on the street and using drugs; torture is not to knowing where this your son at dawn; torture is having to go to the police precinct to look for your 13 year old son because he was arrested for throwing stones at cars, causing an accident and putting the lives of others in danger. On one occasion, my son threatened to set a fire and burn the house down with acetone.

It is also torture that a child has to take 7 different medications that do not work for him, and that made him worse than ever. While he was on the medications, he started speaking of suicide (a side effect of the medication.)

All this is torture for a mother like me, who has been a good parent in raising my son. Then JRC came in. JRC offers structure, supervision and limits, so that I know that my son if safe at any time of the day or night. I do not worry about my son’s welfare. I know that he is well taken care of at JRC. He is working on his academics all day, and is being prepared for the day when he will be able to work and be a productive member of society. 

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #69

(New York)

I am the mother of a current student at the Judge Rotenberg Center and I am writing this letter to inform you about the services my son receives at the Judge Rotenberg Center.  This is a school for children with mental illness. My son suffers from Paranoid Schizophrenia and he is also mildly retarded. 

It is very difficult to raise my son at home.  He started attending the Judge Rotenberg Center at age 15 years old.  He is now 21 years old and still attending the Judge Rotenberg Center.  The school is an excellent school.  If it wasn’t for the Judge Rotenberg Center, I wouldn’t be able to work.  My son is a threat to himself also others.

The Judge Rotenberg Center uses different methods to handle the children but none of the methods are life threatening or dangerous.

Thank you,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #70

I am the mother of a 22 year old son who attends the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC). 

My son is diagnosed with Autism and Mental Retardation.  He has several, life threatening, self-abusive behaviors.  A little over six years ago, when things were as bad as we thought they could get, he 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 he 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, "Your son will be dead in two years if you don't do something now”.  The “something” he was talking about was JRC. 

My son 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 him, I was lucky if he realized I was there.  Now when I visit my son, we go out (just the two of us) and have pizza.  Visiting him 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. 

Sincerely, 

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #71

(New York)

I am a mother of two autistic identical twin sons.  My first son at age 16 started ramming his head into sharp points.  His head finally had to be closed by a plastic surgeon.  He was admitted to Lenox Hill Hospital with 24 hour, one to one surveillance.  He was put on four different medications.  His head was closed, by plastic surgeons, but he continued to bang it.  No New York State placement would take him.  He remained over five months at the hospital until somebody told me about the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center.

Since being at the Judge Rotenberg Center, 17 years, I have taken him on trips to Quebec, Ontario, Vermont, and other places. He goes out for weekends almost every month with the family. His weight is normal. He was obese at the time he started at the Judge Rotenberg Center, and still has some tics because of the medications.

His twin, started having serious behavior problems about 4 years ago.  He was already placed in a group home.  He tried to burn another client’s hands on a stove. He was given various medications and has had psychiatric hospitalizations over the past four years.  He as started to have grand mal seizures and weight gain from the medications, which he says he hates.  His behaviors have improved recently because he wants to get off the medications but I don’t know how successful he’ll be, given the lack of any behavioral treatment plan.

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #72

(New York)

As a parent of a student who has attended JRC since December 2004, I would like to share my family's experience with you.

 My son is diagnosed with ADHD, prescribed greater than six psychotropic medications to regulate his behaviors that included property destruction, throwing a garbage can in front of a city bus loaded with passengers, stealing, lying, not concentrating, opening a school bus emergency door while in motion, and the list goes on of extremely dangerous behaviors that required immediate intervention. 

 After an extensive and exhaustive stint of utilizing the community’s resources including weekly therapeutic services, specialized schools, strong medications, and the like, I made the decision to investigate a residential placement that would help Richard to be a vibrant and attributing citizen instead of what he was fast becoming.

 I chose JRC after extensive research of in-state schools that primarily medicate a child and house them in restrictive and sanitized dormitory placements. 

 JRC has provided a beautiful home setting, nutritious vegetarian based diet, incentives like earning a shopping spree at a local mall, big rewards store, and many other rewards to encourage the students to achieve their behavioral and educational goals. 

 My kid, although still trying to reach his goals has a solid A & B average on his report cards, earns the weekly privilege of ordering special dinners from a local restaurant, has earned a gameboy advance, and is more respectful to family and peers.  Certainly, this can only be attributed to the care and intense treatment plan developed by a staff of professionals with Richard's individual needs in mind.  And certainly, there is no available school in New York offering comparable treatment for the city's most troubled youth.  Also, there is a DVR system in place that offers a camera on students at the JRC residences and school and busses that staff cannot manipulate to avoid our children being abused by one another or staff.  Other schools in NY cannot boast the same record.

 There is no other option that is as great as JRC, My son has the right to receive an education that is appropriate to his individual learning ability and style.  It happens to take place in Canton, Massachusetts, it happens to take place at JRC. 

 Sincerely,

 Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #73

(Massachusetts)

As a guardian and brother of a behaviorally challenged person

who is currently enrolled in the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton, MA

-- I and my family are greatly disturbed by the possible loss of

accreditation that would result from passage of this bill. As mentioned, my

brother has benefited greatly over the years from the programs

available through the JRC, and although his current diagnosis/treatment plan

for a pervasive developmental disorder does not call for aversive

interventions, recent media reports (containing many distortions and

misrepresentations) may cause those in a position to make decisions so many

people to act in ways that do not take into account all sides of the issues

at play. As a family, concerned citizens, and your constituents who are part

of the behavior disorder community, we believe the best interests of those

enrolled in the JRC program have been admirably and ably served over the

years.

New York State currently provides no therapeutic options or residential

settings as effective as the programs available through the JRC, and we as a

family know this through hard, bitter experience. The loss of this vital

resource would be devastating to not only my family, but to hundreds of

others.

Please take this into account when debating this bill, as the therapies

provided have proven without exaggeration a lifeline for families such as

mine dealing with behavior disorders.

These opinions and beliefs, in particular the advocacy we have expressed for

the use of electric skin shock or GED and other aversive interventions are

based on long, hard, first-hand experience with the health-dangerous side

effects of psychotropic drugs (such as Thorazine, Haldol, Navane, Tegretol,

Depakote among the others my brother Brian has been prescribed in the past

only to suffer the most harmful side effects; including, but not limited to:

malnutrition, severe weight loss, loss of vitality and personality, and

behavior regression) or an inappropriate residential/therapeutic placement

in NY State. Before his placement at the JRC, then known as the Behavior

Research Institute of Providence, Rhode Island in the late 1980's, we

carefully researched the options for his education and treatment of his

mixed diagnosis and even more carefully subjected ourselves to all the

aversive interventions that could have been used on our son and brother. I

would beseech you to take into account the fact that families like mine who

care deeply for their disabled children would not blindly place such

children in a facility that engages in anything remotely resembling torture

or mistreatment. In fact as a person with close and varied experience with

the alternatives to JRC, I would posit that his current progress and stability would be presented with torturous challenges should the JRC program be shut down.

As it is your mission to represent the people, families like

mine would exhort you to fully consider the good work being done on behalf

of our families and others from around the country in light of our full and

varied histories -- and not simply on the basis of information given in

media reports or a lawsuit that has been filed ex parte alleging abuse of a

single JRC student.

There is much more at stake here than the survival of an educational

facility. I will say without exaggeration that my brother's very life could

be at stake. To that end, I fully support the Judge Rotenberg Center's staff

and directorship, and believe that aversive behavior modification (in its

various forms) should be legally available, especially in light of the fact that reasonable, comparable alternatives do not exist.

Please feel free to contact us, to meet with us personally and hear all

sides of this vital issue before making decisions that will ring down

disastrous consequences for our brother and son. We have gathered a wealth

of data and scientific evidence that will show the efficacy of the

treatments and provide much-needed context by which you may make your

decisions and votes.

Thank you for your consideration,

Family of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #74

(New York)

Our daughter was diagnosed with autism at around 2 years of age. She has attended Early Intervention, pre-K at the Janet Lockwood School located at CP center in Goshen, NY, the Margaret Chapman School, The Bancroft Neurohealth School and finally, starting May 23, 2005, the Judge Rotenberg Center. All of sher placements except the Judge Rotenberg Center, despite their good intentions, were unsuccessful in reaching Rachel’s IEP goals and objectives. More disturbing was their inability to stem her progressively self-injurious and violent behaviors. Especially with her last placement, it seemed as thought the only attempt to arrest her aberrant behavior was through the use of psychotropic medication with no adjustment to her behavior plan. Our daughter has been known to headbutt, flop (jump up in the air folding her legs underneath her and landing on her backside or back), punch out drywall and especially glass, try to exit moving vehicles, assault others, etc…

 The Judge Rotenberg Center, our daughter’s third placement, is remarkable in its use of a reward system supplemented by an aversive therapy. This program has almost totally arrested her problematic behaviors and she is still the happy, smiling girl that we love so dearly. This was our decision to place our daughter at JRC, with a lot of prompting from Middletown Schools Chairperson for Special Education. We are excited that we have not received any calls about assaults on her by frustrated staff, trips to the emergency, by trusted individuals who informed us that pleas to change her treatment plans were being ignored. We are also pleased that psychotropic medications are not being inflicted on her that never did any good anyway. The JRC has done so much good that no other institutions could do no matter what they insinuate.

Thank you,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #75

From her time of infancy it became clear to me that my daughter was not progressing the way my previous two children have progressed.  It was obvious from her failure to achieve the simplest signals such as mere eye contact to the more advanced indications such as mimicking words. At 12months my husband and I took her to the doctor for an evaluation. The doctor diagnosed our daughter with Microcephaly. 

From this day onward I knew my life would never follow the road I predicted. But, I still didn’t know the extent of the major obstacles that would stand in the way of my family’s bright future. Basically, major changes had to be made in order to secure our daughter as well as my family’s well-being.

To describe the next few years of her life I would have to depict it as a downward rollercoaster. Till the age of six, she was living at home, supervised by a 24-hour nanny.  Her behavior was not solely bad, it was unmanageable. At dinner, she took pleasure in swinging her hands across the table, knocking all the plates to the floor. She would grab anything and everything in sight. She was putting all objects, even plants and soil in her mouth. Soon enough our house became daughter proofed. The sofas had chronic rips and bite marks and anything glass could not surpass a week or two in her premises.

When she reached six years old, my husband and I made one of our most difficult, life altering decisions. We decided to send her away to boarding school. Just as we were unable to manage her behavior, neither was the school. The school had suggested various medications in order to manage her wellbeing. Before beginning with medication we tried every other remedy suggested by all sources. This included swimming with the dolphins, oxygen therapy, acupuncture, and the list goes on till desperately we turned to western medication. This was only the starting point of constant aching decisions. Each cocktail medication brought about another side effect. One caused drowsiness, while the other caused heart racing, others caused insomnia, which was treated by medication cocktails which caused unusual hair growth and weight gain. Soon enough she was controlled completely by medication, all of which caused her to act as a zombie. Medication after medication yet, we couldn’t seem to whip up the right cocktail to cure her. Her progression was non-existent furthermore as the years passed it seemed as though she was digressing instead.

Our daughter switched schools twice more because of safety issues. She was hazardous to herself as well as other kids, opening the gates and running into the streets.

The last school she attended was Sullivan Diagnostic Center. With all their love and care they were still not able to manage her. They were extremely helpful and supportive in finding a new home for her. The idea behind their initiative was to find a school that would be able to handle her and teach her basic daily tasks. They brought to our attention Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC). They went to visit the school in order to see if she would be an appropriate match to attend. They were very impressed by the facility, staff, and professionals of the staff that worked at the school. The school was well-known for their behavior modification programs. Although the school was a highly controversial school, due to the behavior modification programs they felt that it would be the best place for our daughter to advance.

Upon our decision to send her to JRC, they were adamant on detoxifying her from all medication. We were attracted to the fact that they believed in ridding her of all medication, a task that is highly difficult to attain. Furthermore, it was a task that no other school was willing to partake in because of its difficulty. At the same time she was placed on a behavior modification program which at first was implemented without the use of aversives. For the first time we started seeing signs of her progression. At last she became a bit more manageable. Six months later she began the aversive therapy program which caused a leap forward in her progression. We were finally able to take our daughter out to dinner without having to worry that she would flip over the plates or grab food off a strangers table. Her behavior has miraculously developed. Today, at age 18 she is able to function and learn. As a family we are able to enjoy and look forward to her visit. Her company is no longer a burden. 

Thank you JRC!

Sincerely,

Concerned Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #76

My 13 year old grandson is a student attending the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center (JRC). He is also amongst the majority of children who entered JRC with emotional disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, behavior problems and severe aggressive episodes.

Although he would be considered by definition as “higher-functioning,” his lack of ability to control and regulate his anger, his reluctance to submit to authority and his inability to stay focused put him not only in jeopardy of an education, but also there was a question of his safety and the safety of his peers. The medication he was required to take to control some of these symptoms unfortunately worked only temporarily, and the side effects proved to be devastating. He was awake almost around-the-clock, he lost a great deal of weight, during the day he was lethargic and at night when the medication wore off- aggravation and paranoia set in to the point where he stabbed and killed the family pet who he felt was a threat to him.

My grandson was hospitalized in a pediatric mental hospital, where he was restrained, put in a strait jacket and placed in a padded room until he “calmed” down. I sought numerous therapists and psychiatrists and questioned the use and the long term effectiveness of the medication used to treat his condition.

As far as his education, a “suitable” placement for him in the community could not be found. I went in search of a school out-of-state that could offered a safe environment, an education, and hope for a figure for him so that he could live independently. The Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) was the only school I found that not only offered me these things, but they were open and honest with me about my expectations for Terry and the schools criteria which included the use of aversion therapy. I got a chance to witness personally the restraining methods used on one of the students and I also was given a chance to test their aversive therapy for myself.

I cannot begin to tell you of my joy that he has proven to be a true success story. He has made slow, but steady progress in both his behavior and education. What was once a very depressed and emotionally drained little boy is now a young man who is confident, independent, and makes good decisions, most of the time. I cannot speak for all the students that come through Judge Rotenberg Center, but I can speak for my grandson and his particular case. I would say that 50% of the severe emotionally disturbed children that come into the system can be served; my grandson and other students at JRC are the other 50% who are the ones that have been deemed “uncontrollable”, “hostile” and truly hoarder line cases. These are students with exceptional needs which call for exceptional measures.

Sincerely yours,

Grandmother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #77

(New York)

My son's story is no different than any other parent at JRC. We became his foster parents when he was three years old. We adopted him when he was eight. We were told he was "slightly retarded," whatever that means. He has been diagnosed with "slight mental retardation," ADHD, Asperges, and PDD. We came to believe that James' biggest problem may well be that he couldn't be accurately diagnosed.

The Judge Rotenberg Center is the sixth school this sixteen-year old boy has been in. No one has been able to control him. He began eating his fingertips...yes eating them...blood all over the place. Then he started eating the palms of his hands. He could not sit still in any classroom. He would talk out loud, yell, scream, and cry. We were told he was doing it all to get attention. A child like our son, we were told, wants negative as well as positive attention. He began walking into doors, giving himself nosebleeds. He undressed in school, in front of his classmates. He jumped up and down on desks. He began chewing his tongue until it bled and banging his toes into the ground with such force that he now has deformed toes. 

We have tried everything psychiatrists and school psychologists suggested, but to no avail. Each school he was in called us on a daily basis, complaining about J's uncontrollable behavior. My husband and I would take turns going up to the school to see what we could do to help.  These were trained special education teachers calling us, his parents, to come and help them with our son. What is wrong with this picture?

We found out about JRC from a friend who works with autistic citizens in Queens, New York. The gentelmen that came to our home to give us more information about the school were totally upfront about all of JRC's treatment options. When we visited JRC, we were impressed with all we heard. We had to fight the beaurocratic system of NYC and NYS to get our son into JRC. We had to call on the NYC Advocate's Office to help us in our battle. Our son needed the special care that only JRC could give him, and the NYS Dept. of Education was telling us that they didn't want the money to leave the state! NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND is a motto we hear all over the news, but everyone in NY was willing to leave our child behind! They didn't have a placement for him, but they didn't want to let him go to JRC. We finally won the battle, or at least that particular battle.

Our son is now 16, 6'4" tall, and more than just a handful! Like so many others, JRC is our only hope.  JRC is the most open, informative school that our son has ever been in. From his very first day there, staff knew about him, had read his file, and knew exactly what his issues were. We have never experienced that in a NY school. In fact, when we enrolled our son in Pleasantville Cottage School (PCS) they were eager to have him. One month later they told us that they felt their school was not the right placement for him. We were so angry. We asked them if they had even bothered to read his file before accepting him. It was all there in black and white; exactly what behaviors he was exhibiting. They immediatley went silent when asked if they had in fact read his records. My guess is they just wanted to fill a bed, to get the money NYC and NYS were going to pay, and they never even bothered to look at his file. He had been placed in a school that knew by the end of the his first month that they could not handle him.  JRC’s program is the most effective. 

Sincerely,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #78

(New York)

My daughter is now 18 ½ years old. My daughter is now able to stay without a diaper on all day long and barely have any mishaps. My daughter is now able to match items of the same kind (with some prompting) on a computer. I was informed at a recent IEP meeting that my daughter is able to accomplish tasks and fully understands what is needed of her in certain areas but she prefers the attention she receives from being prompted. I have always known that to be true of my daughter.

I raised her for 14 years. I woke up every morning to have to bathe her so that she would not smell of urine because she would wear a diaper. I would have to scrub her bedroom walls, her dresser, her bedroom floor, her windows, and wash her sheets and pillows because she would take off her diaper and rub her bowels all over the room. She would sometimes not sleep at all until maybe 3 or 4 am, and she would scream at the top of her lungs as if someone were killing her. I had to deal with obnoxious neighbors who refused to understand. We have had to deal with relationship problems because you can’t go out and enjoy life because no one would want to help watch a child with such special needs. Families would only help to a certain extent and then they go away and when you ask for help they just turn a deaf ear.

JRC has taken my daughter off of all of those unhealthy medications, they have taught my daughter better self-control, they have taught her not to injure herself and others around her. JRC got my daughter at the age of 17 ½ to use the toilet appropriately and now one year later, she is more consistent with her toileting. JRC has accomplished so much with my child; something NYS was never able to. JRC fully and completely explains every aspect of the program when you visit with them.

We, the parents of special children like my daughter, need a JRC here in NYS. JRC would be our Savior, our God send. There are many parents like me who do not want to put our children on medications. My daughter is on Depakote for the rest of her life. I don’t want her on anything else. JRC has everything a parent like me needs for our children and for our peace of mind.

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #79

(New York)

I am writing this letter about my son who is a student of The Judge Rotenberg Educational Center. Before he was enrolled in this wonderful program, we had many difficult days. Our son was very aggressive and would assault his classmates by striking then in the face, jumping on their backs, throwing things at them as well as trying to choke some of them. Similar behaviors were exhibited towards staff.  He has started a fire in a previous school, has broken other’s property, has thrown chairs and managed to flood the entire school. He has made suicidal threats, left school grounds and has stabbed himself with sharp objects. Noncompliance and disruptive behaviors were also occurring on a daily basis. Can you believe that all of this happened before the age of ten? Due to his problematic behaviors, I would receive calls on a daily basis to come and pick him up. As a result, I ended up losing my job. It was decided that my son would benefit from a residential program. I agreed with this but the challenge of finding an appropriate school was a difficult one- until I found The Judge Rotenberg Educational Center.

My son has been at JRC for the last four years. My son is not on medication and continues to make behavioral progress on a daily basis. His academic achievements continue to amaze me! This program helped get his behaviors under control which is allowing him to excel academically. JRC keeps parents involved, despite the distance and has the most comprehensive video monitoring I have ever seen. It is difficult for me to be away from my son, but I am certain that he is safe and being well cared for by JRC’s many employees.

My son might be lying in a psych hospital- overmedicated if I did not find JRC. If he continued down the path he was going, he may have ended up in jail or dead. If JRC is no longer an option for my child, I fear to think of what alternatives may be offered that we haven’t already tried. I refuse to let my little boy be one of NYC’s statistics! We all want the best for our children and as parents, we should have the right to decide what we think is best! If you have walked a mile in my shoes or have a child with similar disabilities you would understand the daily struggles that some parents face.  We should have the right to choose what treatment works best for our children- not politicians that have no idea what it is like to care for these children! 

Sincerely,

Father of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #80

(New York)

It is so unfortunate that the perception of the public becomes reality via the media.   If anyone had any clue how negative an impact this can have on our child and other children that have experienced a pain that only those who have experienced it can understand.  Judge Rotenberg Center saved our daughter’s life.  From no fault of her own, she underwent a trauma in her early childhood that unknown to anyone would manifest itself in her adolescence that would eventually result in her current placement.  Examples of behaviors she exhibited prior to entering include but were not limited to; suicidal ideation and attempts, early sexual promiscuity, drug use, running away from home on several occasions for a couple of days at a time, aggression, depression, the need to use psychotropic, etc.. Her education was completely lost.

Today, almost two years later, Judge Rotenberg Center has enabled her to begin to blossom into the young adolescent she was always meant to become.  One can now see how intelligent she is, caring, and passionate about what she truly believes in.   

Judge Rotenberg Center offered her this opportunity when numerous other schools rejected her.  JRC has given her the opportunity to love herself.  It’s been a struggle and a very difficult journey; however, we are now confident that she will have a genuine opportunity to be a productive member of society and the world.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #81

(New York)

 I will try to be brief but it will be hard letting several painful years into a couple of sheets of paper.  I will start by saying my son’s problems started when he was two years of age.

 My son was born July 8, 1970, however, language delay at two years, precipitated concern by his family who indicated that he “acted different”.  Behaviors were characterized by severe tantrums, involving screaming and some destroying of property.  His behaviors became so unmanageable that he was referred for an evaluation in 1974.  Where it was determined that he suffered from Soto’s Syndrome, sever mental retardation and over activity.

 He was placed on psychotropic medication in 1975.  S began attending special education classes.  However he continued to demonstrate sever receptive and expressive language delays.  Communication was limited to gestures and echolalia.  His vocabulary increased but he didn’t use it in communication.  Tantrums and severe disruptive behaviors continued to be a problem and his psychotropic medications was increased.

 In 1975 he attended Charles Drew Day Care but only a few weeks, his behaviors was to disruptive for the class.

 1976-1978 he attended the Shields Institute. A Psychiatric evaluation during that period indicated that he was primarily psychotic, possibly schizophrenic.

 1979, he attended the Samuel Field Special Service School.  No significant change in his behaviors were reported during this period.

 1983, he was placed at the adolescent Autistic program.  His moods are lacked coupled with extremely sexually provocative behaviors; a different diagnosis of autism was made in 1984.

 My son was not responsive to psychotropic medications.  An additional treatment program were not effective for unspecified reason.  His maladaptive behaviors escalated to the point where he could not be managed and posed a significant threat to the safety and well being of staff and other residents.

 1987, he was referred to Behavior Research Institute in Providence Rhode Island.  BRI by the New York State Department of Education. After a review of the court in New York, he was placed, but only after being rejected by 39 placements.

 After being placed at what’s now the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, he was placed in an aversive technique program.  His disruptive behaviors began to stabilize, the more stable his behaviors, the better his learning and understanding became.  He continued to improve in all aspects of his program.  He has considerable verbal skills, but wants to use them on being question.

 Before entering the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center in 1987, he was diagnosed as primarily psychotic possibly schizophrenic and was considered a candidate for an organization more suitable for dealing with seriously disturbed children. Rather than an institute for retarded children.

 There is no evidence that any available psychotropic drugs would be of any benefit to him.  He has benefited from highly structured behavior modification program which decreased his frequency of inappropriate behaviors including aggression, hitting, biting, kicking and other bizarre behaviors. 

 This program at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center provides an environment that fosters responsibility. Physical and medically well cared for. This is a major concern for any parent and/or family member.

 Stabilizing is the best part of this program, it helped to increase learning.

 Sincerely,

 Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #82

(New York)

I am writing regarding the proposed bill to ban the use of aversive interventions.  Our son is ten years old and is severely autistic.  For years we have been seeing various doctors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Neurologists, Case Managers, and Social Workers in an effort to secure help for our son.  We were told that he was in need of medication.  He was prescribed multiple psychotropic medications in an effort to determine what would work for him.  None of the medications were successful.  He was hospitalized on more than one occasion due to his compulsive behavior disorder which included him biting his hands to the point of bleeding.  We felt lost and didn’t know what to do.  His schools would constantly call us at work regarding his disruptive behaviors.  He would knock things over in the classroom and pull on people.  The educational setting, which was geared toward autistic clients, could not handle him.

 We eventually opened his case with the help of his Case Manger and the Committee on Special Education as we were in search of a residential treatment facility.  It was clear that our son could not be handled in most educational settings or at home. Our Son was continually hurting my daughter every chance he got.  For two years we pursued a residential placement for our son.  The Department of Education misplaced his paperwork on more than one occasion.  After locating it, we had been told that that all of his documents required updating.  This further delayed the process of securing a placement for him.  Once he was approved for a residential facility, we interviewed with various schools in New York, however, each placement rejected him because of his behavior. 

 Our son’s psychiatrist recommended the Judge Rotenberg Center and we immediately set up an interview.  JRC is the only school we have found that would accept him.  JRC was aware of his behaviors and were comfortable taking him in.  In September of 2005, he was admitted to JRC.  He continues to do well there and we have seen a positive change in his behavior.  He is no longer on any medication.  We visit with him on a regular basis.  It is difficult not having our son close to home; however, the environment offered at JRC is best for our son.  We are grateful that JRC accepted J and would like for him to continue his education there.  He is doing well and continues to work with JRC staff.  Our goal is for our son to be as independent as possible while maintaining the best quality of life. 

Sincerely,

 Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #83

(New York)

 My son is an individual with some behavioral, cognitive and academic deficits.  When he was 2.5 years old, he was diagnosed with a toxicity level of lead, which consequently caused some brain damage.  When he began school, the problems began to materialize.  He was in a small independent school in Harlem called The Children’s Store Front.  The headmaster of the school felt that my son would benefit from taking medication Ritalin.  The school would constantly ask me did he take his medication. I began to question; just taking the Ritalin wasn’t the answer.  I had him evaluated for special education services.  He was placed into the New York State Board of Education special education system. He was still not making any significant progress.  I requested a more structured residential learning environment for him.  No results. My son dropped out of school at 16 years old and began experimenting with different kinds of illegal drugs. As a consequence of dropping out of school and experimenting with illegal drugs began to get out of control, my son and I would literally fight with each other.

 He became extremely psychotic and as a result had to unfortunately be hospitalized on a psychiatric ward, which almost devastated my family and I. There was crying, crying and more crying. After my son was in the hospital and several tries in non-structured learning environment, the New York State Board of Education finally found the Judge Rotenberg Center. 

 He has been placed on the aversive program at the school.  He has significantly improved with his aggression, academics and non-compliance behaviors.  I love my son and only want the best for him.

Sincerely,

 Father of a JRC Student

Return to top

 My son has been diagnosed as Mentally Retarded and Emotionally Disturbed.  He is required contact redirection, and supervision to complete assignments.  He is very impulsive and oppositional toward staff and peers.  He has little regards for the property of others.  My son has a poor sense of personal boundaries.  He sometimes shows insight into his behaviors, and can’t correct himself for short periods.  My son requires 24 hour/12 month residential services in a highly structured behavior, modification program.  Due to his limited judgment it is necessary for him to require constant supervision.  He needs to learn to manage himself in the school setting, at home, and in the community.  My child was rejected or ejected from many schools before one was found that could successfully treat the serious behaviors and also provide him with an education.  Now with the use of rewards and punishment therapy, we have seen improvement in my child’s behaviors.  This ensures a parent and family’s right to choose what ever professionally recognized treatment they believe is best for their handicapped child.

The Judge Rotenberg Center is a unique clinically approved program that does not exist in New York State.  My son has been discharged from various other programs and hospitals in New York and JRC is the only program that has helped him.  Since my son has been on aversive therapy, he has been behaving very well.  He does not harm himself.  It protected him from dangerous behaviors, and protects other students, staff or properties from effect of my son aggressive behavior or destructive behavior to protect my son from removing a medical therapeutic or treatment device as an emergency. He is now stabilized and being given the opportunity learns to his potential and quality of life and I never have any problem with the school since he has been at the Judge Rotenberg Center. 

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #85

This is in regards to my daughter, age 18, with a diagnosis of Autism, she began attending the Judge Rotenberg Center.

            The sight of my daughter banging her head into a wall with so much force as to break skin on her forehead and to cause the plaster in the walls to crack was repugnant.  She has slammed her head down so hard on a school desk that she cracked a front tooth.  She has taken more blows to the head and limbs than a seasoned prizefighter.  Years of medication, behavioral interventions, 1:1 class paras, and bus paras have failed to reduce her Self Injurious behaviors.

It was a hard heart wrenching decision to send my daughter to a residential school.  But after being repeatedly called by her school, to come get her because she was out of control, I knew she needed more help than me or the school could give.  The last draw was, when the Assistant Principal tried to get her taken, by ambulance, to the “G” building (psychiatric hospital), before I could get to the school to pick her up.  When I arrived before that could occur, I was discouraged from sending her back to school. In my daughter, there is a bright young lady, trapped inside that is begging to be free, but her behaviors will not allow i

 Since entering JRC, My daughter is on her way to becoming drug free for the first time in almost 12 years, and soon free of health dangerous behaviors.

.JRC is allowing her to laugh, enjoy, and participate in community activities.

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #86

(Massachusetts)

We are the cousins of an autistic child who is a student at The Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) in Canton, Massachusetts. This school and the therapy that they use, has saved his life.

 Prior to being enrolled at JRC, his behaviors were extreme.  Despite having worked with many professionals specializing in these types of behavior problems, his parents continued to struggle and our cousin made very little if any progress. At one point he became so violent that he required a paraprofessional 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  He was prescribed many different psychotropic drugs, as many as 12.  Our cousin’s response to being medicated was far from positive.  He was lethargic and often had drool running down his face.  This had been going on for nine years. Any energy he did have was used during his violent outbursts.  In December of 2004, he was admitted to the hospital.  He had become lethargic and disoriented.  He was diagnosed with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), which was the direct result of being over medicated with Thorazine.  He remained in a coma for eight days and almost died.

The Anderson School for Autism requested that another placement be found as they were no longer able to safely manage him. His information was sent to eighteen schools from Maine to Virginia, not a single school would accept him.  Because of the life saving therapy that JRC was able to offer him, they accepted him knowing that they would be able to and have improved his quality of life. 

My cousin’s 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. He 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.

Sincerely,

Cousins of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #87

(Massachusetts)

My nephew is an autistic child who is a student at The Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) in Canton, Massachusetts. This school has saved his life. Prior to being enrolled at JRC, he was on a variety of psychotropic drugs. This had been going on for many years. His parents have struggled with him while working with various professionals including psychologists/psychiatrists specializing in behavior modification techniques. In 2003 his behaviors became worse and he became very aggressive and violent. His needs were so intense that he required a 1:1 paraprofessional. He was prescribed as many as twelve different medications. He did not have a good response to being medicated. Most of the time, he was lethargic and had drool running down his face. Any energy he did have was used during his violent outbursts. In December of 2004, Marc was admitted to the hospital. He had become lethargic and disoriented.  My nephew was diagnosed with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), which was the direct result of being over medicated with Thorazine. he remained in a coma for nine days and almost died.

The Anderson School for Autism requested that another placement be found as they were no longer able to safely manage him. His information was sent to eighteen schools from Maine to Virginia. He was rejected from all of these schools.

My nephew 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. He 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.

Sincerely,

Aunt and Uncle of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #88

(Massachusetts)

My cousin was on a variety of psychotropic drugs. At one point he was given so much medications he became comatose, he was hospitalized for 9 days and almost died. He was rejected or ejected from many schools before one was found that could successfully treat the serious behaviors and also provide him with an education

My cousin resides at the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) in Canton, Massachusetts. This school has saved his life. Presently he is not on any psychotropic medications. Instead he has a behavior modification program that is rich with rewards for all of his positive behaviors. As a supplement to the positive rewards, when he exhibits dangerous behaviors, the Probate Court has authorized the use of aversive therapy.

He is now medication free. His behavior and quality of life has improved tremendously, along with his health. His family is ecstatic with the improvements we see in him. It has changed his life for the better. He is healthy, his inappropriate behaviors are in control, and he appears happy.

Sincerely,

Cousins of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #89

(Massachusetts)

My cousin was rejected or ejected from many schools before one was found that could successfully treat the serious behaviors and also provide him with an education. Now, with the use of reward and punishment therapy we have seen improvement in his behaviors. JRC has proven to be life-saving for him. He attends a program which utilizes positive behavior modification techniques along with supplemental aversive therapy.

The alternative to this effective therapy is psychotropic medications. My cousin resides at the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) in Canton, Massachusetts. This school has saved his life. Prior to being enrolled at JRC, he was on a variety of psychotropic drugs. At one point he was given so much medications he became comatose. He was hospitalized for 9 days and almost died. Presently he is not on any psychotropic medications. Instead he has a behavior modification program that is rich with rewards for all of his positive behaviors. As a supplement to the positive rewards, when he exhibits dangerous behaviors, the Probate Court has authorized the use of aversives.

My cousin is now medication free. His behavior and quality of life has improved tremendously, along with his health. His family is overjoyed with the improvements we see in him. It has changed his life for the better. He is healthy, his inappropriate behaviors are in control, and he appears happy.

Sincerely,

Cousin of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #90

(Massachusetts)

My cousin is a person whose quality of life has been tremendously improved since the introduction of aversive therapy. Prior to receiving this effective treatment, he was on a cocktail of psychotropic medications which did not stop him from exhibiting dangerous behaviors. He had to be hospitalized and ended up in a coma for nine days due to psychotropic medications. Obviously, they were not the answer.

Instead, the Bristol Probate Court has authorized the use of a two second skin shock for his dangerous behaviors as a supplement to his positive rewards. He is not on any psychotropic medications. We believe that his parents should continue to have the right to choose this therapy.

He is now medication free. His behavior and quality of life has improved tremendously, along with his health. His family is overjoyed with the improvements we see in him.

JRC has changed Marc’s life for the better. He is healthy, his inappropriate behaviors are in control, and he appears happy.

Sincerely,

Cousins of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #91

(Massachusetts)

My son has been a client at the Judge Rotenberg Education Center for over 3 years.  Prior to going to JRC, my son had been in 45 different programs run by DMR and DMH that include hospital units, housing units...even having a pilot housing unit designed for him that if successful, would have been used for other clients that have similar problems as him.  Not only were none of these programs able to stop his aggressive behavior...but DMR and DMH were ready to have him sent to jail to serve time thinking this would teach him a lesson.  At the insistence of a Boston judge at one of my son’s hearings, he was sent to JRC on a trial basis instead of going back to jail. Since he has been at JRC he has not had a single aggressive/assault episode.  The credit for this goes to the use of a type of aversive therapy (skin shock) used at JRC. 

Another tremendous benefit has been the reduction, and eventually elimination, of the numerous meds that he had been taking, without results, since he was 10 years old.  He is now completely medication free. Along with this he has dropped 100 pounds and is finally at a healthy weight.  He has a job at the center and is leading a healthy and productive life.

As a parent I feel that JRC does an excellent job informing us about the program and the use of aversive therapy.  My son’s treatment team keeps me very well informed on the use of this treatment with him.  I also feel that my son is safe and free of abuse at JRC unlike at other programs.  My son has suffered true abuse at programs that do not use the alleged “abusive” aversive therapy.  At Bridgewater State Hospital wear he had to be physically restraint a guard slammed his face into a cement floor causing him to lose his 2 front teeth.  At a group home in Revere - 4 staff members, supposedly in fear of there lives, beat him so badly during a restraint that the Revere police were called and actually filed charges against the head of the house for assault.  At JRC he has been restraint free because they have been able to use of aversives.

My wife went to her grave feeling confident that because of JRC that our son now has a chance to get better and live a somewhat normal life. 

Sincerely, 

Father of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #92

(Virginia)

My father and I are the sole guardians of my brother, a 25 year old man, who has legally and repeatedly been diagnosed with several serious disorders such as mental retardation, impulse control disorder, and bipolar, which can lead to unpredictable violent incidents.  For approximately the last 10 to 15 years of his life, prior to the court’s order to finally place him to JRC, we as a family had to go from number of different group homes to different hospitals, to different courts, and even to different detention centers in the state of Virginia. This pointless procedure had become part of our life as the court systems and both the state and the county were dragging their feet to fund his placement to JRC. He (literally and without any exaggeration) exhausted all resources in the state of Virginia due to his sporadic violent behaviors derived from his impulse control disorder. Finally, the court system came to its senses and ordered him to be admitted to JRC.

From the time he has been admitted to JRC to date, A has lost substantial weight and looks much healthier. He has amazingly learned to somewhat read at a very elementary level, which he hadn’t been able to do before. The medication usage has been at an absolute minimum, which had been one of our great concerns all along. It is worth mentioning that prior to his placement, jails and hospitals were putting him on high medication and I clearly remember, when we visited him at times, his arms and legs were shaking due to the side effects of such medication.

In conclusion, I must admit this center has been a heaven for us and we as a family are truly happy that this center exists; otherwise, we’d still be going from one jail or hospital to another. 

Regards,

Brother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #93

My husband and I are the adoptive parents of a young lady.  Currently, she is a student at JRC and she was admitted to JRC in December 2004.  She was admitted to JRC because her behavior was out of control.  She would go into a fit, physically fight with me, and refuse to do reasonable things that were asked of her.  She would do what she wanted to do, when she wanted to do them.  Our daughter was aggressive toward others and ran away a lot.  She acted out quite often, was on a lot of medication and became overweight. 

Since her admission to JRC, she has lost weight and feels better about her self.  This is because of the treatment program that JRC offers.  Also, since JRC has begun the optional aversive therapy program, her behavior has improved even more.   JRC is the only school prepared to educate her and deal with her intense, dangerous behaviors.  JRC has helped to put her back in line and she is able to participate in activities that she was not able to do before.  She is calmer and doesn’t interfere as much and enjoys her family more.  Without the JRC, people could not handle her. Her behavior was unconscionable.  We definitely could not handle her.  We can’t go through that again. 

It is impossible for others to really understand the degree to which our daughter has harmed herself and others and created disruptions in our family.  JRC, with the use of aversive treatment options, has made our daughter’s live safer and our family’s situation more livable. 

Sincerely

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #94

(New York)

My son has been at JRC since 2004. The progress he has made has been incredible. My son is 15 years old. 

Before being admitted to JRC, my son was very aggressive. He used to runaway from school almost every day and the days he did not runaway, I had to go and pick him up because his behavior were uncontrollable. He used to become aggressive towards his teachers and peers. He used to scream, yell, and destroy everything in the house and at school. He was prescribed many different medications to control his behaviors which did not work at all.

After being at JRC, my son has changed very much. He is not as aggressive as he used to be. He is focusing more on his academic skills, as well as, his future goals. Also, he is not on any medications and he has made so much progress in this school.

Sincerely,

Father of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #95

(New York)

Our son is a student at JRC and this is his third time that he has attended the school. He has many problems including emotional and physical. He has been in at least nineteen placements since he was 4 and 1/2 years old. None has been able to keep him. He ran away from one apartment type placement and ran across 6 lanes of traffic. He has put his life in danger many times while at other placements. We feel that the only place where he is safe and well taken care of is JRC. They have taken care of his health problems as well as behavioral problems.

Since our son has been there he is able to go home for visits and taken part in the field trips that he can earn. Before they started using aversive therapy his behavior was extremely hard to manage and since they started using it he is like a changed person. He still has a long way to go. We feel that if he was sent somewhere else his life could be in danger.

Thank you,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #96

(New York)

I am the parent of a student at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center in Canton, Massachusetts.  At two and a half years old, and after meeting with many doctors, my son was diagnosed as severely autistic with profound mental retardation.  He was able to live with me until age twelve, when he was placed at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center. 

When my son lived in my home he was difficult to manage.  He was uncooperative and would often bite, hit, push, and run away.  When I took him in public, he would try to run away.  I needed a leash to protect him from running into the streets.  When he would see something that he wanted, he would pull and drag me around in an effort to gain access to what he wanted.  In school, he had similar behaviors and was unable to make any academic or behavioral progress. He needed to be taught daily living skills, to care for himself, and how to behave appropriately. 

When my son was twelve, he was growing, getting bigger and stronger.  He became more difficult to manage at home. I did the best that I could with him for the twelve years that he lived with me but there were no positive changes in his behavior.  I realized that he needed to be with professionals; those that had the skills and ability to teach him. 

My son could have attended a school on Long Island or in New York; however, these schools lacked the ability to teach him the independent living skills necessary to function in society.  These schools felt like a prison to me. I needed a school that would teach him to care for himself. I want him to learn as much as he can.  When I am gone or unable to look after him, I need to know that he can clean himself and care for himself.  At the Judge Rotenberg Center, he is learning these skills.   

My son was admitted to the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center in November 2004.  I chose JRC because of the typical home environment that the children live in.  Each day he leaves his house and travels on the bus to go to school.  It makes me so happy that he can live like a “normal” child.  I never wanted him in an institution or a facility where he is unable to go outside or live a typical life.  Also, there are many staff that are able to work with him in addition to a video monitoring system which monitors all of the students and staff. 

Since his admission to the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, the biggest change that I have seen in him is his compliance.  He no longer pulls me in whichever direction he wants to go and he understands when limits are set.  He is able to care for himself while in the bathroom.  He is able to thoroughly clean himself and wash his hands with soap and water.  I can bring him home for a week and he behaves appropriately.  He is able to attend field trips and has been to the movies and to the Boston Science Museum.  I want him to have the best quality of life and the Judge Rotenberg Center makes this possible.

Thank you,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #97

(Massachusetts)

Growing up with my brother was not always pleasant since he was such an aggressive child.  He used to like to fight pull and grab your hair, bite and spit.  Needless to say being around him was quite difficult at times.  He was so strong that if he got a hold of you, it would literally take the whole house to get him off of and those people would have to be careful because they may get spat on and or kicked.  He would often really try to grab your hair and pull it out by the handful.  For this reason we kept a lot of Tylenol in the house.

My brother was definitely not a person that you could bring to a restaurant.  He never sat down, he crammed very hot food in his mouth, made very loud noises and just like to jump around. 

Since he has been attending the Judge Rotenberg Center he is a totally different person.  I must say that his visits are quite a pleasure now, he has done a complete 180.  He can actually sit with the family for Sunday dinner which he does every Sunday.  He doesn’t make the noises that he usually makes or acts aggressive like he used to act.  If it weren’t for the Judge Rotenberg Center I don’t know what families like mine would do. 

He still needs help because we notice that when he comes home on Sundays, he still tries to get away with some things and we can say something as simple as “hey cut it out” and he’ll stop.  In the past you may have gotten pushed into a wall or spat on, but not anymore.

Needless to say, I think the Judge Rotenberg center has been quite a blessing to our family and I don’t know where we would be without the Center or the help of the state for people like my brother who need this kind of help and attention.  The progress that he has made at JRC has made it possible for our family to be together and for my brother to be safe.

Sincerely,

Sister of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #98

(New York)

I reside in Center Moriches, New York. My wife and I are writing to you regarding some statements that you recently made to the news media concerning students from the state of New York currently admitted to the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton, MA. After a long battle with our local School District, our daughter, who sufferers from Autism, was admitted to the Judge Rotenberg Center in September of last year. Over the years, our daughter has displayed numerous problematic and dangerous behaviors that have seriously impacted her ability to exist in a traditional educational setting. Obviously, our daughter’s education has suffered as a result of her disabilities and our school district’s inability to provide her with a Free Appropriate Education.

As a result of the inability of our school district and the New York State Department of Education to locate an appropriate educational setting for our daughter, she was admitted to Brunswick Children’s Psychiatric Hospital from April of 2006 until her admission to the Judge Rotenberg Center in September of 2007. After months of searching for an appropriate, approved educational placement for our daughter, we learned of the Judge Rotenberg Center which has been approved to accept students from New York since the 70’s. The Judge Rotenberg Center was the only school that was able to effectively treat our daughter’s most problematic behaviors and provide her with the high quality education that she is entitled to under the law.

Additionally, JRC was the only school that was willing to accept our daughter and agree not to treat her with dangerous medication to manage her difficult behaviors. They are the only school that we found, both in and out-of-state, that would accept her without the threat of discharging her to a psychiatric facility when her behaviors got too difficult to manage.

The treatment team at the Judge Rotenberg Center has been able to successfully wean our daughter off of the dangerous medication that was previously required to maintain her. Previous to my daughter’s admission to the school, she received numerous psychotropic medications that had some very dangerous and disturbing side effects. In spite of the medication that was used, our daughter was still displaying very problematic behaviors. Since her admission to the Judge Rotenberg Center, she has flourished and has made great strides in areas of academics and social skills. In the short time that my daughter has been at JRC, she has made far more progress than she had in the psychiatric facility and BOCES program in New York.

Our daughter has responded extremely well to the positive programming and structure that JRC has offered, which is not available in any program within the state of New York. While some of the treatments at JRC are controversial, they are the only program that is committed to effectively treating and education New York’s most difficult population

The staff at JRC communicates with us regarding our daughter’s progress and needs and is very responsive to the individual needs of the student and their family. The school has an open visiting policy which allows us and other family members to visit her unannounced. We also have access to all of her treatment and education records twenty-four hours per day via a secured website. All of these features allow us to have full confidence in the staff at the Judge Rotenberg Center to care for our daughter in a safe, loving environment where she can continue to thrive and receive the treatment and education that she is entitled to.

Sincerely,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #99

(New York)

My daughter attends the Judge Rotenberg Center. 

 The reason I sent her to the Judge Rotenberg Center, after first visiting and observing other schools, is due to what JRC offers to my daughter.  I know that my daughter can gain independence, work on tasks I once thought she could not accomplish due to her illness.  She has been there almost 2 years, and now I can sleep well because my daughter is more relaxed and safe. 

 I often would have to stay up all night to take care of her. Most nights she would be up all night clapping her hands, beating walls, and yelling.  Many times I would have to take my other children to the neighbor’s house to allow them to sleep.  

 She hated school, she would take off her shoes and hit the teacher with them.  Also she would roll all over the floor and spend very little time actually learning. 

 Whenever we would go out with her I would have to chase her and focus solely on her.  In the past she has run out into the street, I thank God that a neighbor caught her before she was hit by a car.  On one occasion the police had to search for her because she went missing from a local park.

 She was always nervous, depressed, and took many pills.  Based on doctor recommendation she was placed at Bellevue Hospital for two months until she was accepted at the Judge Rotenberg Center.

 I am very grateful to the Judge Rotenberg Center for accepting my daughter. I know, as a mother, what is best for my daughter, and I know that the Judge Rotenberg Center is the best location for her.

Sincerely,

Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #100

(New York)

I am the father of a student currently at the Judge Rotenberg Center. He is an eleven year old boy who was born with a number of health problems and disabilities including cleft lip and palate, neurological abnormalities, late and delayed growth, autism, hyperactivism, cardiac problem.

In 2003 South Huntington School District found a school in Berwyn, PA, after a long struggle. He stayed in Melmark PA for well over two years but could not make a difference. In early 2005 Melmark school notified us and to the school district that they would not be able to serve him any more because of his very complex health situation. It was not possible for them to keep him in the class with other students.

The school district started looking for another school for him and it took over six months to get my son enrolled in JRC. JRC was very careful to take him because of his cardiac condition. JRC wanted his Cardiologist to check everything before allowing him to join JRC. More over JRC's cardiologist was also involved in this process, after fully understanding the situation he was permitted for admission to JRC.

JRC did not put my son on aversive treatment right away. They studied his behavior and then they put him on this treatment. After that we have noticed a great difference in his behavior. He is not dangerous to himself and to others any more, he listens and follows instructions and his life is back on the track. Me and my wife are hoping for a reasonable future for him now. He is 11 years old, very soon he will be 12 and soon after that he will be 18. We are very concerned about him about his future and the days when we will not be around. We desperately want him to be able to have some independence and lead a productive life and JRC has given us hope that this will be a possibility.

JRC has improved the quality of life for our son as well as the other students at JRC. This wonderful and fruitful education program and they have saved our son’s and other’s lives.

Thanks,

Parents of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #101

(New York)

My fourteen year old son is diagnosed with Autism and Mental Retardation and has always been educated in the New York City Public School System.

Approximately two years ago, my son’s local school started having difficulty educating him in the public school system. As a result, his case was brought before the local Committee on Special Education. At the time, that committee recommended that my son be placed in an approved private residential program appropriate for his learning disability. The New York City Department of Education sent referral packets to eight well known New York schools for children with disabilities. Five of the schools rejected my son due to the fact that his dangerous behaviors were too difficult for them to handle. The other three schools did not even reply to the request to consider my son for their program. The district also tried to refer my son to some schools outside of the state of New York that were clearly not appropriate for him.

As a result of the fact that the local school district was unable to provide my son with an education and there are no schools within the state of New York to effectively treat and educate my son, he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital on five separate occasions for a total of approximately ten months. During this time, there was some very valuable time that was wasted as my son was not receiving any effective treatment, nor was he receiving any education. I feel as a result of my son’s developmental disabilities, he was discriminated against and placed in psychiatric facilities as opposed to being placed in an appropriate educational setting.

It was not until I learned of the Judge Rotenberg Center, that I finally found a school that could safely manage my son and provide him with the education that he is entitled to under the law. After what I consider a very unfair battle with the school district, my son was finally admitted to JRC in March of 2007. Prior to his admission to the school, my son was displaying some extremely dangerous behaviors. Some of these behaviors include attempting to stab fellow students with scissors and pencils, throwing objects and destroying items, and assaulting family members. At one point, my son pushed me down the stairs causing me great bodily injury. He also caused an injury to one of his teachers when he was in school. At one point when he was in the community, his behaviors were so disruptive that it required three security officers to restrain him for the safety of himself and others.

Since his admission to JRC, my son has made wonderful progress and is attending school every day. They have been able to reduce a large amount of the very dangerous medication that he was on and he is finally receiving an education. My son is a very large and strong young man and while he continues to display some problematic behaviors, I do not fear for his safety. The staff members at the Judge Rotenberg Center are highly trained and well supervised and are well equipped to deal with my son. I maintain excellent communications with the staff regarding my son’s progress and the staff at JRC make it easy for me to have frequent visits with my son. I also do not worry that the staff at JRC will call me and tell me that I must take my child home because they cannot manage him. He continues to receive excellent care and responds well to the structure and very positive reward system that they provide him. My son has opportunities available to him that the state of New York was unable to provide him.

There continues to be no other program, either in or outside of the state of New York that can safely manage the most difficult children with out overmedicating them into a stupor. I strongly believe that my son has a right to be free from medication and institutionalization and would not choose a path that leads to the long term damaging side effects of such medication, if he were capable of making that choice.

Sincerely,

 Mother of a JRC Student

Return to top

Letter #102

(New York)

I have known a student who attends the Judge Rotenberg Center now since she was 11 years old for several years, and I have seen intake tapes of her behavior prior to going to this school.

 What I saw in those tapes and what I see now are amazing. Before she entered the Judge Rotenberg Central she displayed extremely severe behavior, she would bang her head on the floor, pull her hair out until she was bald and bleeding. She would bite and mutilate herself.