Category: Restraint
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The Overflowing Cup: Sensory Processing and Kids
We humans are a sensory species. Every single hour, minute, and second of our lives are made up of sensory input and integration. What we see, taste, smell, hear, touch, feel, and the lack of, are all important parts of sensory experience. These different forms of sensory input not only affect our senses themselves but…
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The Impact of Punitive Discipline on Students with Cerebral Palsy
Students with cerebral palsy (CP) face unique challenges in the educational environment. Unfortunately, these challenges often extend beyond their physical and cognitive limitations to include disproportionate disciplinary measures. Punitive discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions, can have lasting adverse effects on these students. Understanding the impact and advocating for more inclusive approaches is crucial.
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Like A Dog: From Child Abuse to Involuntary Hospitalization
When I push deeper, however, as to why I would have had this positive association with restraint and institutional abuse, I realize it’s because I was abused as a child. I’m reminded of my favorite Franz Kafka quotation from The Trial: “‘Like a dog!’ he said, it was as if the shame of it should…
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Singing with Stingrays: Reflecting on Disability Pride Month
As July draws to a close, I am reflecting on Disability Pride Month. Yesterday, I was drawn into a discussion about trauma-informed practices in education at a social gathering. As usual, I found myself passionately defending the rights of disabled students in the United States and despaired over the lack of resources to support them…
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A Parent’s Story: You Don’t Get What You Don’t Fight For
This is a systemic issue. I can’t count the number of parents I have heard of with similar stories or the number of homeschooling parents who have said that school was “not a good fit” for their child (or children). Had I not been a strong advocate for my son, he would have continued to…
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Reframing Behavior: A New Neuroscience Aligned Program for Educators
Today, I am thrilled to share what I believe to be one of the most significant accomplishments of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint in achieving our mission. I am excited to introduce you to Reframing Behavior, a groundbreaking neuroscience-based educator training program developed by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) in partnership with the Alliance…
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Supporting Someone Who Has Survived Seclusion or Restraint
I first started experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder around a month after being restrained for the first time. I was at a long-term residential treatment center (i.e., a “troubled teen” facility) in Utah at the time. I noticed feeling anxious around the staff who had restrained me. I started avoiding the places where a restraint…
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My Time in a “School” for “Troubled Kids”
am an autistic adult. Around 2002, I was sent to a charter “school” in San Diego, California. This “school” was a place for so-called “troubled” kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At the facility, restraint, and seclusion were regularly practiced on kids who were having meltdowns or other compromising moments triggered by various things, be it schoolwork, activities, peers,…
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Upcoming Congressional Briefing: How Seclusion & Restraint Harms Children and What Congress Can Do to Stop It
The Alliance to Prevent Restraint, Aversive Interventions, and Seclusion (APRAIS) coalition, which the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint is a member, has announced a congressional briefing for May 23rd at 10:00 am to discuss the Keeping All Students Safe Act (KASSA). The briefing will include a diverse panel whose lived experiences with seclusion and restraint will shed…
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Making a Change: Getting Involved in Public Office to Improve Special Education and Stop the Abuse in our Schools
Getting involved in public office is scary, but it can also be a powerful way to drive positive change in the community. It can also be empowering as a parent or caregiver in your own recovery from the trauma your child may have experienced.