Behind the Bastards Part Two: The Judge Rotenberg Center
Jan 13, 2022
Aiden Bonacci, an expert on behavioral treatment, joins the discussion to delve deep into the controversial practices at the Judge Rotenberg Center. The conversation reveals the ethical dilemmas surrounding electric shock as a treatment and explores the emotional turmoil faced by desperate parents. They critique the oppressive environment of the center and discuss disturbing allegations of torture, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. With a mix of serious topics and light humor, the dialogue highlights the importance of compassionate advocacy for vulnerable individuals.
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Linda's Death
- Linda Cornelison, a non-verbal student, died at the JRC after staff ignored her health complaints.
- The staff punished her instead of seeking medical attention for her stomach pain.
Uniform Aversives
- After Cornelison's death, Israel sought more uniform aversives.
- He adopted electric shocks, believing they provided more consistent punishment.
Brandon's Shocks
- Brandon Sanchez, an autistic boy, was subjected to thousands of shocks with the SIBIS device.
- When the shocks proved ineffective, Israel increased the voltage, creating his own device.