Position Statements

Massachusetts Families Organizing For Change
POSITION PAPER
AVERSIVE BEHAVIORAL PRACTICES
[ Spanish ]

Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC) condemns the use of punishments and 'aversives' on persons with disabilities. We call on state agencies to investigate the widespread mistreatment of people with disabilities through such 'professional' practices.

These extremely punitive physical and psychological techniques are illegal when inflicted on non-disabled persons and/or animals. But, when used on people with disabilities, they are called "treatment" or "aversive therapy."

"Aversive therapy" is a shameful response to severe behavioral challenges, and it has never has been scientifically proven to be a permanently effective behavioral strategy. It is used to suppress symptoms rather than to deal with the root cause of the undesired behaviors.

The use of "aversive therapy'' psychologically affects persons administering the altering procedure and those observing this "treatment". Passive observation by professionals, paraprofessionals, staff and caregivers can breed acceptance of punitive measures. They are at risk for thinking of 'aversives' as a legitimate form of corrective practice that they find useful for various behavioral challenges they encounter.

Passive observation by individuals with disabilities who are in the vicinity of "aversive therapy" or punitive techniques being used on their peers also creates in them the misconception that such punishment is acceptable. It is logical for them to fear that caregivers or staff may use it on them. The consequent dread of its use and resulting loss of trust can be devastating. The individual's helplessness in such situations jeopardizes his/her right to a sense of security and well being, replacing it with a sense of helplessness and/or despair.

MFOFC believes that the use of "aversive therapy" and punitive behavioral techniques should be immediately discontinued and declared illegal in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Unanimously adopted by MFOFC Board of Directors on August 29, 2007

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