Behind the Bastards Part One: The Judge Rotenberg Center
Jan 11, 2022
In this enlightening discussion, Aiden Bonacci, an autistic theater major and activist, sheds light on the Judge Rotenberg Center, a controversial institution known for its punitive treatments. They delve into the ethical implications of using aversive methods for behavior modification, questioning the morality of such practices. Aidan shares personal experiences and critiques systemic issues in autism treatment, highlighting the urgent need for change in how we approach care for autistic individuals. The conversation balances serious themes with a touch of humor, making for a thought-provoking listen.
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Skinner's Influence
- B.F. Skinner's behaviorism influenced Israel, emphasizing environmental conditioning.
- Skinner believed in altering behavior through rewards/punishments, rejecting free will.
First Behavior Modification Attempt
- Matthew Israel's first attempt to apply behavior modification involved a child named Andrea.
- He used aversives like timeouts and eventually resorted to slapping her to curb screaming.
Targeting Vulnerable Children
- After failing with adults, Israel targeted children with disabilities for his methods.
- He saw this group as less capable of self-advocacy, making them easier to control.
