FDA deciding whether to ban skin shocks....

Sometimes it is difficult to know the day and age in which we live, considering what still happens in the world. Currently the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering whether to ban devices used by the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center (JREC) in Canton, Massachusetts. The JREC is the only known place in the United States that uses skin shocks for aversive conditioning for aggressive individuals.

JREC uses graduated electronic decelerator (GED), a device that is attached to the arms or legs. If an individual engages in self injurious behaviors (SIBs) or is physically aggressive to others, a center staff presses a button to activate the electrode which delivers a two second shock to the person. Some liken the shock as being stung by a bee, others describe it as being stung by hundreds of bees.

The FDA initially cleared the device for use in 1994. JREC started using a device 2.5 times stronger than the original FDA cleared device when one person built up a tolerance to the shocks. In 2000, the FDA stated that the stronger version of the device didn't require clearance for use. In 2011, the FDA changed it's position and is now in the process of deciding whether the device will remain in use or be banned.

There are supporters for both sides of the issue. One parent, Sharon Wood of Charlottesville, VA supports the use of the device and fears that if it is banned that her 21 year old son will return to violently aggressive behaviors. In her interview with the FDA, Ms. Wood stated, "Do not take away what is saving his life.Don't take this away until you are convinced there are better alternatives."

In contrast to praise of the device by those such as Ms. Wood, Jennifer Msumba, a recipient of said shocks stated the the device doesn't feel safe. She stated she has nightmares, that the GED leaves burn marks and is prone to malfunctioning that results in unintended shocks. Ms. Msumba's mother is currently suing JREC. Cheryl McCollins also sued the center in 2002 due to her son being shocked more than 30 times within a seven hour period. JREC settled with Ms. McCollins.

It is my sincere hope that the FDA bans the use of this device. While I cannot compare my experience and knowledge in this field to that of any parent, I do humbly disagree with Ms. Wood in that the GED is the only option in helping address her son's aggressive behaviors. Caring for someone that has aggressive behaviors against themselves and others is terribly difficult, exhausting, and at many times frightening. However, history has shown the effects of using methods such as GED on our fellow human beings.  We have learned a world of techniques that are far more effective and humane; person centered planning is one of the crucial lessons we have learned. We have to look at each person and find ways to reach them. We should not and cannot resolve any person as being unreachable and reduce them or ourselves to techniques such as the GED in the name of therapy.

Please share your thoughts.