Autistic Man's Death Was Unnecessary

[Guest guest]

This story should be of great concern to all of us. A little glimpse into the future for thousands of

children if we don't get organized and get the medical community and government to make our

children a priority.

It is our concern for our children's future that brings parents together on this list, to the conferences

and to the rallies. We cannot just complain about our lot in life...we must be pro-active and advocate

for change. This is one reason why finding a way to attend The Mercury Generation March is so

important.

Yes it is difficult. It is difficult for all of us. But not as difficult as it will be in the future if we don't

bring about a change.

But as long as we remain 'out of sight'... we will remain 'out of mind'.

We need everyone to try to find a way to participate in this demonstration or find someone who

will go and represent their child. www.themercurygenerationmarch.org

'As individual fingers we can easily be broken, but all together we make a mighty fist.'

--Sitting Bull

Family: Autistic man's death was unnecessary

BY PAT KROCHMAL and Main

An attorney representing the family of Hansel Cunningham said information released last week by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office supports the family's contention that the 30-year-old autistic man's death at the hands of Des Plaines police was avoidable.

Attorney Burke said the family is considering legal action against the city.

Cunningham died after Des Plaines police responded to a report of an aggravated battery Nov. 20, 2005, at 843 S. Golf Cul de Sac in Des Plaines, the location of a group home in which Cunningham was living. The home, operated by ton-based Rimland Services NFP, provides specialized support to individuals with autism.

According to information released last week by a Cook County Medical Examiner's Office spokeswoman, Cunningham suffocated from being placed face down with an officer's hand on his back. His hands, according to the spokeswoman, were cuffed behind his back when police were trying to subdue Cunningham after he severely bit a caregiver on the hand and arms.

A 50,000-volt charge through the wire-attached darts of a Taser stun gun used by police during the encounter did not contribute to his death, according to the medical examiner's office. Neither did pepper spray or a medication a paramedic administered to sedate Cunningham, the office said. The medication's dosage was either too small, or was not circulating in his bloodstream because he was already dead, the office said.

A 'homicide'

The Medical Examiner's Office ruled that Cunningham's death was a "homicide," meaning that the cause was not natural, suicide or accidental, but "at the hands of another," said the spokeswoman, who requested that her name not be used because of office policy.

The spokeswoman also said any decision to pursue criminal charges against the officers was up to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

The spokeswoman said she believed that no excessive force was used by Des Plaines police in the death.

"The exact cause was asphyxia due to restraint," said the spokeswoman. "I don't think too much force was used trying to subdue him. As far as I know, the police followed all the correct procedures."

But attorney Burke said the family is convinced that Cunningham didn't have to die.

"I think the medical examiner's finding corroborates and confirms that Hansel should not have died as a result of simply being restrained by police," Burke said. "There are well-known procedures that should be followed by police in dealing with any civilian and certainly any developmentally challenged people such as Hansel, who was an autistic young man."

Hansel's family was very close-knit, Burke said. His mother was almost a daily visitor and familiar with his behavior at the Des Plaines group home.

"His family described him as a very well-liked, very pleasant, calm resident of the home," Burke said. "There is no doubt in the family's mind that his death was completely unnecessary and obviously very untimely."

Cunningham was restrained for up to four minutes before he died, according to the medical examiner's office.

Violent scene

Officers confronted Cunningham at the home and attempted to take him into custody when he reportedly became "enraged and combative," police said. He refused to allow officers to handcuff him, and instead fled to the back yard, where he removed his clothing.

The three officers at the scene attempted to subdue Cunningham with stun guns and pepper spray, but he continued to resist arrest. When he was tackled and handcuffed, he began to have breathing difficulties.

Des Plaines Fire Department paramedics treated Cunningham and tried to resuscitate him, but were not successful. He was pronounced dead at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.

Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini said last week he could not comment on the medical examiner's ruling until he receives a copy of the autopsy report and the results of an investigation being conducted by the Illinois State Police's Public Integrity Unit. Prandini said he expected to receive the report soon.

Prandini said shortly after the incident that he believes his officers used only the force necessary to subdue Cunningham.

Lt. Mark Henry of the State Police's Public Integrity Unit said he could not comment on the finding because the case is still under investigation.

Pat Krochmal is a staff writer for Pioneer Press Newspapers. Main is a Chicago Sun Times crime reporter.

[Guest guest]

Bobbie, you don't even know. Here's a little story for everyone.

My dear friend, Tara, was told on her six yr old's 3rd day of

attending a new school that they had restrained her 40lb child for 20

min with her arms crossed over her chest, held her hands behind her

back. The reason? They didn't like her putting her hands in her

underwear and kept telling her " hands out " and forcing her hands out.

The forth time the child hit the aid. So what did they do then? Put a

pair of someone else's shorts on her (she was in a dress & panties).

Oh yeah, it clearly stated on the OT report that she has significant

clothing sensory issues. Then when her child continued to hit the

assis principal walked in and put her in the restraint, done by

Cornell Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. Tara got a call afterward

telling her it had happened. Then when they saw she was mad they

changed their tune to " well it wasn't really a restraint " then they

called it a restraint again when Tara called DCS, who did nothing,

cause you know, kids with autism are subhuman.

Turns out the school procedure violated many aspects of Cornell's TCI.

Cornell's big dog even admitted that they did, but says they work with

systems to correct problems, not do anything else. Even after they

were notified of other children being restrained, as young as 5 yrs

old. Of course, there was nothing done about Tara's daughter and the

school system refused to allow her to attend another school in the

county, so the mom's working on her plan of action right now.

BTW, the mom asked for a functional behavior assessment six mos prior

to the incident, the director of Special ed McCook told her they

didn't have to do an FBA unless her child has been suspended, same

thing I was told by him in another meeting. Of course, the childs'

behaviors were why they said she couldn't be in general ed, yet they

would do nothing to address the behaviors. In the IEP meeting

following the restraining the child's prior teacher was asked what

they did to deal with the child hitting. The teacher responded, " We

learned to block. " Lol, sounds like a real behavior plan, huh?

Funny, teachers can't spank a child but they are allowed to sit on

them, wrap their arms around their bodies and hold them in positions

that are known to slowly suffocate children. But then again, that's

usually only done on the subhuman, autism class <extreme sarcasm>

When are parents gonna stand up and say enough? .

Debi

>

>

> This story should be of great concern to all of us. A little glimpse

into the future for thousands of

> children if we don't get organized and get the medical community and

government to make our

> children a priority.

>

> It is our concern for our children's future that brings parents

together on this list, to the conferences

> and to the rallies. We cannot just complain about our lot in

life...we must be pro-active and advocate

> for change. This is one reason why finding a way to attend The

Mercury Generation March is so

> important.

>

> Yes it is difficult. It is difficult for all of us. But not as

difficult as it will be in the future if we don't

> bring about a change.

>

> But as long as we remain 'out of sight'... we will remain 'out of

mind'.

> We need everyone to try to find a way to participate in this

demonstration or find someone who

> will go and represent their child. www.themercurygenerationmarch.org

>

> 'As individual fingers we can easily be broken, but all together we

make a mighty fist.'

> --Sitting Bull

>

>

>

> Family: Autistic man's death was unnecessary

> BY PAT KROCHMAL

> and Main

>

> An attorney representing the family of Hansel Cunningham

said information released last week by the Cook County Medical

Examiner's Office supports the family's contention that the

30-year-old autistic man's death at the hands of Des Plaines police

was avoidable.

>

> Attorney Burke said the family is considering

legal action against the city.

>

> Cunningham died after Des Plaines police responded to a

report of an aggravated battery Nov. 20, 2005, at 843 S. Golf Cul de

Sac in Des Plaines, the location of a group home in which Cunningham

was living. The home, operated by ton-based Rimland Services NFP,

provides specialized support to individuals with autism.

>

> According to information released last week by a Cook

County Medical Examiner's Office spokeswoman, Cunningham suffocated

from being placed face down with an officer's hand on his back. His

hands, according to the spokeswoman, were cuffed behind his back when

police were trying to subdue Cunningham after he severely bit a

caregiver on the hand and arms.

>

> A 50,000-volt charge through the wire-attached darts of

a Taser stun gun used by police during the encounter did not

contribute to his death, according to the medical examiner's office.

Neither did pepper spray or a medication a paramedic administered to

sedate Cunningham, the office said. The medication's dosage was either

too small, or was not circulating in his bloodstream because he was

already dead, the office said.

>

> A 'homicide'

>

> The Medical Examiner's Office ruled that Cunningham's

death was a " homicide, " meaning that the cause was not natural,

suicide or accidental, but " at the hands of another, " said the

spokeswoman, who requested that her name not be used because of office

policy.

>

> The spokeswoman also said any decision to pursue

criminal charges against the officers was up to the Cook County

State's Attorney's Office.

>

> The spokeswoman said she believed that no excessive

force was used by Des Plaines police in the death.

>

> " The exact cause was asphyxia due to restraint, " said

the spokeswoman. " I don't think too much force was used trying to

subdue him. As far as I know, the police followed all the correct

procedures. "

>

> But attorney Burke said the family is convinced that

Cunningham didn't have to die.

>

> " I think the medical examiner's finding corroborates and

confirms that Hansel should not have died as a result of simply being

restrained by police, " Burke said. " There are well-known procedures

that should be followed by police in dealing with any civilian and

certainly any developmentally challenged people such as Hansel, who

was an autistic young man. "

>

> Hansel's family was very close-knit, Burke said. His

mother was almost a daily visitor and familiar with his behavior at

the Des Plaines group home.

>

> " His family described him as a very well-liked, very

pleasant, calm resident of the home, " Burke said. " There is no doubt

in the family's mind that his death was completely unnecessary and

obviously very untimely. "

>

> Cunningham was restrained for up to four minutes before

he died, according to the medical examiner's office.

>

> Violent scene

>

> Officers confronted Cunningham at the home and attempted

to take him into custody when he reportedly became " enraged and

combative, " police said. He refused to allow officers to handcuff him,

and instead fled to the back yard, where he removed his clothing.

>

> The three officers at the scene attempted to subdue

Cunningham with stun guns and pepper spray, but he continued to resist

arrest. When he was tackled and handcuffed, he began to have breathing

difficulties.

>

> Des Plaines Fire Department paramedics treated

Cunningham and tried to resuscitate him, but were not successful. He

was pronounced dead at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.

>

> Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini said last week he

could not comment on the medical examiner's ruling until he receives a

copy of the autopsy report and the results of an investigation being

conducted by the Illinois State Police's Public Integrity Unit.

Prandini said he expected to receive the report soon.

>

> Prandini said shortly after the incident that he

believes his officers used only the force necessary to subdue Cunningham.

>

> Lt. Mark Henry of the State Police's Public Integrity

Unit said he could not comment on the finding because the case is

still under investigation.

>

> Pat Krochmal is a staff writer for Pioneer Press

Newspapers. Main is a Chicago Sun Times crime reporter.

>

[Guest guest]

This incident in Des Plaines, a suburb 20 min from my home, is

enough to rally our IL families to have Atty Gen Madigan

advocate for us. I just posted this last week:

http://www.wcsh6.com/home/article.asp?id=31510

Bill Would Make Autism Education Mandatory For Police, Prosecutors

This is in Maine..but needs to happen nationally..and school

restraining may be another issue/bill as well.

But..first we have to make our voices heard loudly and collectively.

> >

> >

> > This story should be of great concern to all of us. A little

glimpse

> into the future for thousands of

> > children if we don't get organized and get the medical community

and

> government to make our

> > children a priority.

> >

> > It is our concern for our children's future that brings parents

> together on this list, to the conferences

> > and to the rallies. We cannot just complain about our lot in

> life...we must be pro-active and advocate

> > for change. This is one reason why finding a way to attend The

> Mercury Generation March is so

> > important.

> >

> > Yes it is difficult. It is difficult for all of us. But not as

> difficult as it will be in the future if we don't

> > bring about a change.

> >

> > But as long as we remain 'out of sight'... we will remain 'out of

> mind'.

> > We need everyone to try to find a way to participate in this

> demonstration or find someone who

> > will go and represent their child.

www.themercurygenerationmarch.org

> >

> > 'As individual fingers we can easily be broken, but all together

we

> make a mighty fist.'

> > --Sitting Bull

> >

> >

> >

> > Family: Autistic man's death was unnecessary

> > BY PAT KROCHMAL

> > and Main

> >

> > An attorney representing the family of Hansel

Cunningham

> said information released last week by the Cook County Medical

> Examiner's Office supports the family's contention that the

> 30-year-old autistic man's death at the hands of Des Plaines police

> was avoidable.

> >

> > Attorney Burke said the family is considering

> legal action against the city.

> >

> > Cunningham died after Des Plaines police responded

to a

> report of an aggravated battery Nov. 20, 2005, at 843 S. Golf Cul

de

> Sac in Des Plaines, the location of a group home in which

Cunningham

> was living. The home, operated by ton-based Rimland Services

NFP,

> provides specialized support to individuals with autism.

> >

> > According to information released last week by a Cook

> County Medical Examiner's Office spokeswoman, Cunningham suffocated

> from being placed face down with an officer's hand on his back. His

> hands, according to the spokeswoman, were cuffed behind his back

when

> police were trying to subdue Cunningham after he severely bit a

> caregiver on the hand and arms.

> >

> > A 50,000-volt charge through the wire-attached darts

of

> a Taser stun gun used by police during the encounter did not

> contribute to his death, according to the medical examiner's

office.

> Neither did pepper spray or a medication a paramedic administered

to

> sedate Cunningham, the office said. The medication's dosage was

either

> too small, or was not circulating in his bloodstream because he was

> already dead, the office said.

> >

> > A 'homicide'

> >

> > The Medical Examiner's Office ruled that Cunningham's

> death was a " homicide, " meaning that the cause was not natural,

> suicide or accidental, but " at the hands of another, " said the

> spokeswoman, who requested that her name not be used because of

office

> policy.

> >

> > The spokeswoman also said any decision to pursue

> criminal charges against the officers was up to the Cook County

> State's Attorney's Office.

> >

> > The spokeswoman said she believed that no excessive

> force was used by Des Plaines police in the death.

> >

> > " The exact cause was asphyxia due to restraint, " said

> the spokeswoman. " I don't think too much force was used trying to

> subdue him. As far as I know, the police followed all the correct

> procedures. "

> >

> > But attorney Burke said the family is convinced that

> Cunningham didn't have to die.

> >

> > " I think the medical examiner's finding corroborates

and

> confirms that Hansel should not have died as a result of simply

being

> restrained by police, " Burke said. " There are well-known procedures

> that should be followed by police in dealing with any civilian and

> certainly any developmentally challenged people such as Hansel, who

> was an autistic young man. "

> >

> > Hansel's family was very close-knit, Burke said. His

> mother was almost a daily visitor and familiar with his behavior at

> the Des Plaines group home.

> >

> > " His family described him as a very well-liked, very

> pleasant, calm resident of the home, " Burke said. " There is no

doubt

> in the family's mind that his death was completely unnecessary and

> obviously very untimely. "

> >

> > Cunningham was restrained for up to four minutes

before

> he died, according to the medical examiner's office.

> >

> > Violent scene

> >

> > Officers confronted Cunningham at the home and

attempted

> to take him into custody when he reportedly became " enraged and

> combative, " police said. He refused to allow officers to handcuff

him,

> and instead fled to the back yard, where he removed his clothing.

> >

> > The three officers at the scene attempted to subdue

> Cunningham with stun guns and pepper spray, but he continued to

resist

> arrest. When he was tackled and handcuffed, he began to have

breathing

> difficulties.

> >

> > Des Plaines Fire Department paramedics treated

> Cunningham and tried to resuscitate him, but were not successful.

He

> was pronounced dead at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington

Heights.

> >

> > Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini said last week

he

> could not comment on the medical examiner's ruling until he

receives a

> copy of the autopsy report and the results of an investigation

being

> conducted by the Illinois State Police's Public Integrity Unit.

> Prandini said he expected to receive the report soon.

> >

> > Prandini said shortly after the incident that he

> believes his officers used only the force necessary to subdue

Cunningham.

> >

> > Lt. Mark Henry of the State Police's Public Integrity

> Unit said he could not comment on the finding because the case is

> still under investigation.

> >

> > Pat Krochmal is a staff writer for Pioneer Press

> Newspapers. Main is a Chicago Sun Times crime reporter.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Debi, just wanted to add that this mom could call her state bd of

ed..and make a complaint..they would need to investigate. The other

step is hiring an attorney..

> >

> >

> > This story should be of great concern to all of us. A little

glimpse

> into the future for thousands of

> > children if we don't get organized and get the medical community

and

> government to make our

> > children a priority.

> >

> > It is our concern for our children's future that brings parents

> together on this list, to the conferences

> > and to the rallies. We cannot just complain about our lot in

> life...we must be pro-active and advocate

> > for change. This is one reason why finding a way to attend The

> Mercury Generation March is so

> > important.

> >

> > Yes it is difficult. It is difficult for all of us. But not as

> difficult as it will be in the future if we don't

> > bring about a change.

> >

> > But as long as we remain 'out of sight'... we will remain 'out of

> mind'.

> > We need everyone to try to find a way to participate in this

> demonstration or find someone who

> > will go and represent their child.

www.themercurygenerationmarch.org

> >

> > 'As individual fingers we can easily be broken, but all together

we

> make a mighty fist.'

> > --Sitting Bull

> >

> >

> >

> > Family: Autistic man's death was unnecessary

> > BY PAT KROCHMAL

> > and Main

> >

> > An attorney representing the family of Hansel

Cunningham

> said information released last week by the Cook County Medical

> Examiner's Office supports the family's contention that the

> 30-year-old autistic man's death at the hands of Des Plaines police

> was avoidable.

> >

> > Attorney Burke said the family is considering

> legal action against the city.

> >

> > Cunningham died after Des Plaines police responded

to a

> report of an aggravated battery Nov. 20, 2005, at 843 S. Golf Cul

de

> Sac in Des Plaines, the location of a group home in which

Cunningham

> was living. The home, operated by ton-based Rimland Services

NFP,

> provides specialized support to individuals with autism.

> >

> > According to information released last week by a Cook

> County Medical Examiner's Office spokeswoman, Cunningham suffocated

> from being placed face down with an officer's hand on his back. His

> hands, according to the spokeswoman, were cuffed behind his back

when

> police were trying to subdue Cunningham after he severely bit a

> caregiver on the hand and arms.

> >

> > A 50,000-volt charge through the wire-attached darts

of

> a Taser stun gun used by police during the encounter did not

> contribute to his death, according to the medical examiner's

office.

> Neither did pepper spray or a medication a paramedic administered

to

> sedate Cunningham, the office said. The medication's dosage was

either

> too small, or was not circulating in his bloodstream because he was

> already dead, the office said.

> >

> > A 'homicide'

> >

> > The Medical Examiner's Office ruled that Cunningham's

> death was a " homicide, " meaning that the cause was not natural,

> suicide or accidental, but " at the hands of another, " said the

> spokeswoman, who requested that her name not be used because of

office

> policy.

> >

> > The spokeswoman also said any decision to pursue

> criminal charges against the officers was up to the Cook County

> State's Attorney's Office.

> >

> > The spokeswoman said she believed that no excessive

> force was used by Des Plaines police in the death.

> >

> > " The exact cause was asphyxia due to restraint, " said

> the spokeswoman. " I don't think too much force was used trying to

> subdue him. As far as I know, the police followed all the correct

> procedures. "

> >

> > But attorney Burke said the family is convinced that

> Cunningham didn't have to die.

> >

> > " I think the medical examiner's finding corroborates

and

> confirms that Hansel should not have died as a result of simply

being

> restrained by police, " Burke said. " There are well-known procedures

> that should be followed by police in dealing with any civilian and

> certainly any developmentally challenged people such as Hansel, who

> was an autistic young man. "

> >

> > Hansel's family was very close-knit, Burke said. His

> mother was almost a daily visitor and familiar with his behavior at

> the Des Plaines group home.

> >

> > " His family described him as a very well-liked, very

> pleasant, calm resident of the home, " Burke said. " There is no

doubt

> in the family's mind that his death was completely unnecessary and

> obviously very untimely. "

> >

> > Cunningham was restrained for up to four minutes

before

> he died, according to the medical examiner's office.

> >

> > Violent scene

> >

> > Officers confronted Cunningham at the home and

attempted

> to take him into custody when he reportedly became " enraged and

> combative, " police said. He refused to allow officers to handcuff

him,

> and instead fled to the back yard, where he removed his clothing.

> >

> > The three officers at the scene attempted to subdue

> Cunningham with stun guns and pepper spray, but he continued to

resist

> arrest. When he was tackled and handcuffed, he began to have

breathing

> difficulties.

> >

> > Des Plaines Fire Department paramedics treated

> Cunningham and tried to resuscitate him, but were not successful.

He

> was pronounced dead at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington

Heights.

> >

> > Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini said last week

he

> could not comment on the medical examiner's ruling until he

receives a

> copy of the autopsy report and the results of an investigation

being

> conducted by the Illinois State Police's Public Integrity Unit.

> Prandini said he expected to receive the report soon.

> >

> > Prandini said shortly after the incident that he

> believes his officers used only the force necessary to subdue

Cunningham.

> >

> > Lt. Mark Henry of the State Police's Public Integrity

> Unit said he could not comment on the finding because the case is

> still under investigation.

> >

> > Pat Krochmal is a staff writer for Pioneer Press

> Newspapers. Main is a Chicago Sun Times crime reporter.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

She has/is doing all you suggest.

The biggest problem is a combo of fear on the parents' side and no one

willing to be our voice. No local reporters will touch it, there are

several families who have said the school systems in question have

gone as far as accused the parents of untrue sexual harassment, called

DHS to report the parents of unfounded abuse, etc.

I think the restraining is like autism, you have a handful of parents

across the nation willing to speak up and damned the consequences of

who might try to silence them, while the rest of the parents had

rather bury their heads in the sand. If all the parenst across the

nation who are willing to stand up for each other were in one place,

we'd be a force to reckon with. The very sad truth is that many people

without autism connections do not care/are so ignorant they probably

think these kids and adults gets what's coming to them. They don't

understand that behavior plans, biological treatment, and just plain

love and understanding can go a significant way toward preventing

outbursts that almost always happen because these people with autism

are so frustrated at not being able to appropriately communicate their

feelings.

Debi

>

> Debi, just wanted to add that this mom could call her state bd of

> ed..and make a complaint..they would need to investigate. The other

> step is hiring an attorney..

[Guest guest]

Anyone see this one?

Police: Teen dies after reportedly being restrained

The Associated Press

EPHRATA, Pa. - A teen living at a behavioral treatment center died

after reportedly being restrained for disruptive behavior, police said.

Giovanni Aletriz, 16, of town, may have gone into cardiac arrest

Saturday after employees at SummitQuest Academy restrained him, said

Ephrata police, who were investigating. He later died at a hospital.

His death was the second one at SummitQuest in less than two months.

Another resident, White, 17, died in December of what the county

coroner determined was natural causes.

Giovanni's mother, , told the New Era of Lancaster that

she suspects he was restrained improperly.

" My son had a strong heart and shouldn't be dead. There's no reason a

16-year-old should die of a heart attack, " she said. The family has

hired an independent pathologist, she said.

Stacey Ward, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Public

Welfare, said the agency visited the facility Monday but had not

completed its investigation.

A police news release said " reports are " that Giovanni had been

restrained before he died. The police referred questions to Lancaster

County District Attorney Don Totaro, who declined to comment about

whether the boy had been restrained.

Click here!

SummitQuest's parent company issued a statement saying information

about the treatment of people in their care is protected by privacy laws.

" On the subject of the use of restraint in general, at SummitQuest

Academy, we utilize a comprehensive crisis management procedure ...

(that) includes techniques designed to safely use manual restraint in

the presence of a nurse, " according to ViaQuest Behavioral Health

Pennsylvania regional director Grala.

The 129-bed facility treats boys with psychiatric and behavioral

problems, including " sexually abusive or sexually problematic

behaviors " , the company said.

Ward said there was no restraint involved in White's death. Lancaster

Coroner Kirchner said White had an enlarged heart.

[Guest guest]

This is very disturbing to me. This is starting to look like a pattern. Maybe I

am

making premature assumptions? There are too many stories along the same lines

lately.

>

> Anyone see this one?

>

> Police: Teen dies after reportedly being restrained

>

> The Associated Press

>

> EPHRATA, Pa. - A teen living at a behavioral treatment center died

> after reportedly being restrained for disruptive behavior, police said.

>

> Giovanni Aletriz, 16, of town, may have gone into cardiac arrest

> Saturday after employees at SummitQuest Academy restrained him, said

> Ephrata police, who were investigating. He later died at a hospital.

>

> His death was the second one at SummitQuest in less than two months.

> Another resident, White, 17, died in December of what the county

> coroner determined was natural causes.

>

> Giovanni's mother, , told the New Era of Lancaster that

> she suspects he was restrained improperly.

>

> " My son had a strong heart and shouldn't be dead. There's no reason a

> 16-year-old should die of a heart attack, " she said. The family has

> hired an independent pathologist, she said.

>

> Stacey Ward, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Public

> Welfare, said the agency visited the facility Monday but had not

> completed its investigation.

>

> A police news release said " reports are " that Giovanni had been

> restrained before he died. The police referred questions to Lancaster

> County District Attorney Don Totaro, who declined to comment about

> whether the boy had been restrained.

> Click here!

>

> SummitQuest's parent company issued a statement saying information

> about the treatment of people in their care is protected by privacy laws.

>

> " On the subject of the use of restraint in general, at SummitQuest

> Academy, we utilize a comprehensive crisis management procedure ...

> (that) includes techniques designed to safely use manual restraint in

> the presence of a nurse, " according to ViaQuest Behavioral Health

> Pennsylvania regional director Grala.

>

> The 129-bed facility treats boys with psychiatric and behavioral

> problems, including " sexually abusive or sexually problematic

> behaviors " , the company said.

>

> Ward said there was no restraint involved in White's death. Lancaster

> Coroner Kirchner said White had an enlarged heart.

>

[Guest guest]

, I'm here to tell ya that these people do not see anything

wrong with holding down someone until they die, calling it

" necessary " . I mean, something has to be done if you have a 6' tall

200lb man coming at you full force, but I'm amazed at Cornell's

" Therapeutic Crisis Intervention " response when they were notified

that many children have been restrained using their teachings for as

little a reason as a child not having the correct color sucker and

getting upset. The article about Mr. Cunningham says it all. They held

him down, shocked him with a taser, sprayed pepper spray in his face,

and injected him with a sedative. The Coroner said (if I'm recalling

all this correctly) that the med either wasn't enough or he was

already dead. Wouldn't any of us fight with all our might if we were

being sat on, sprayed with pepper spray & tasered?

I'm serious when I say our kids are perceived as problemary animals,

and there is a real trend of killing them instead of working with them.

Debi

> >

> > Anyone see this one?

> >

> > Police: Teen dies after reportedly being restrained

> >

> > The Associated Press

> >

> > EPHRATA, Pa. - A teen living at a behavioral treatment center died

> > after reportedly being restrained for disruptive behavior, police

said.

> >

> > Giovanni Aletriz, 16, of town, may have gone into cardiac arrest

> > Saturday after employees at SummitQuest Academy restrained him, said

> > Ephrata police, who were investigating. He later died at a hospital.

> >

> > His death was the second one at SummitQuest in less than two months.

> > Another resident, White, 17, died in December of what the county

> > coroner determined was natural causes.

> >

> > Giovanni's mother, , told the New Era of Lancaster that

> > she suspects he was restrained improperly.

> >

> > " My son had a strong heart and shouldn't be dead. There's no reason a

> > 16-year-old should die of a heart attack, " she said. The family has

> > hired an independent pathologist, she said.

> >

> > Stacey Ward, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Public

> > Welfare, said the agency visited the facility Monday but had not

> > completed its investigation.

> >

> > A police news release said " reports are " that Giovanni had been

> > restrained before he died. The police referred questions to Lancaster

> > County District Attorney Don Totaro, who declined to comment about

> > whether the boy had been restrained.

> > Click here!

> >

> > SummitQuest's parent company issued a statement saying information

> > about the treatment of people in their care is protected by

privacy laws.

> >

> > " On the subject of the use of restraint in general, at SummitQuest

> > Academy, we utilize a comprehensive crisis management procedure ...

> > (that) includes techniques designed to safely use manual restraint in

> > the presence of a nurse, " according to ViaQuest Behavioral Health

> > Pennsylvania regional director Grala.

> >

> > The 129-bed facility treats boys with psychiatric and behavioral

> > problems, including " sexually abusive or sexually problematic

> > behaviors " , the company said.

> >

> > Ward said there was no restraint involved in White's death. Lancaster

> > Coroner Kirchner said White had an enlarged heart.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

" I'm serious when I say our kids are perceived as problemary animals,

> and there is a real trend of killing them instead of working with

them. "

Debi,

This is your opinion, and I have to say it is extreme. My take on

this is those professionals having contact with autistic children

and adults need training...very thorough and specific to autism.

What you are talking about is sick behavior and there are people in

this world who are perverted and/or sadistic to the vulnerable..To

protect our children now and in the future takes vigilance and

lobbying by us all..

> > >

> > > Anyone see this one?

> > >

> > > Police: Teen dies after reportedly being restrained

> > >

> > > The Associated Press

> > >

> > > EPHRATA, Pa. - A teen living at a behavioral treatment center

died

> > > after reportedly being restrained for disruptive behavior,

police

> said.

> > >

> > > Giovanni Aletriz, 16, of town, may have gone into cardiac

arrest

> > > Saturday after employees at SummitQuest Academy restrained

him, said

> > > Ephrata police, who were investigating. He later died at a

hospital.

> > >

> > > His death was the second one at SummitQuest in less than two

months.

> > > Another resident, White, 17, died in December of what

the county

> > > coroner determined was natural causes.

> > >

> > > Giovanni's mother, , told the New Era of

Lancaster that

> > > she suspects he was restrained improperly.

> > >

> > > " My son had a strong heart and shouldn't be dead. There's no

reason a

> > > 16-year-old should die of a heart attack, " she said. The

family has

> > > hired an independent pathologist, she said.

> > >

> > > Stacey Ward, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of

Public

> > > Welfare, said the agency visited the facility Monday but had

not

> > > completed its investigation.

> > >

> > > A police news release said " reports are " that Giovanni had been

> > > restrained before he died. The police referred questions to

Lancaster

> > > County District Attorney Don Totaro, who declined to comment

about

> > > whether the boy had been restrained.

> > > Click here!

> > >

> > > SummitQuest's parent company issued a statement saying

information

> > > about the treatment of people in their care is protected by

> privacy laws.

> > >

> > > " On the subject of the use of restraint in general, at

SummitQuest

> > > Academy, we utilize a comprehensive crisis management

procedure ...

> > > (that) includes techniques designed to safely use manual

restraint in

> > > the presence of a nurse, " according to ViaQuest Behavioral

Health

> > > Pennsylvania regional director Grala.

> > >

> > > The 129-bed facility treats boys with psychiatric and

behavioral

> > > problems, including " sexually abusive or sexually problematic

> > > behaviors " , the company said.

> > >

> > > Ward said there was no restraint involved in White's death.

Lancaster

> > > Coroner Kirchner said White had an enlarged heart.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I totally agree with you that these people need training. The problem

is when they won't learn and refuse to listen, and the people training

them refuse to hold them accountable. I'm not talking about people

enjoying harming our kids, I'm talking about people who are too

ignorant to know how to help our kids and too prideful to want to learn.

The article said it all, the man was restrained, he died from the

restraint, and those who restrained said they do not believe they used

excessive force. How can it be both?

Debi

> > > >

> > > > Anyone see this one?

> > > >

> > > > Police: Teen dies after reportedly being restrained

> > > >

> > > > The Associated Press

> > > >

> > > > EPHRATA, Pa. - A teen living at a behavioral treatment center

> died

> > > > after reportedly being restrained for disruptive behavior,

> police

> > said.

> > > >

> > > > Giovanni Aletriz, 16, of town, may have gone into cardiac

> arrest

> > > > Saturday after employees at SummitQuest Academy restrained

> him, said

> > > > Ephrata police, who were investigating. He later died at a

> hospital.

> > > >

> > > > His death was the second one at SummitQuest in less than two

> months.

> > > > Another resident, White, 17, died in December of what

> the county

> > > > coroner determined was natural causes.

> > > >

> > > > Giovanni's mother, , told the New Era of

> Lancaster that

> > > > she suspects he was restrained improperly.

> > > >

> > > > " My son had a strong heart and shouldn't be dead. There's no

> reason a

> > > > 16-year-old should die of a heart attack, " she said. The

> family has

> > > > hired an independent pathologist, she said.

> > > >

> > > > Stacey Ward, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of

> Public

> > > > Welfare, said the agency visited the facility Monday but had

> not

> > > > completed its investigation.

> > > >

> > > > A police news release said " reports are " that Giovanni had been

> > > > restrained before he died. The police referred questions to

> Lancaster

> > > > County District Attorney Don Totaro, who declined to comment

> about

> > > > whether the boy had been restrained.

> > > > Click here!

> > > >

> > > > SummitQuest's parent company issued a statement saying

> information

> > > > about the treatment of people in their care is protected by

> > privacy laws.

> > > >

> > > > " On the subject of the use of restraint in general, at

> SummitQuest

> > > > Academy, we utilize a comprehensive crisis management

> procedure ...

> > > > (that) includes techniques designed to safely use manual

> restraint in

> > > > the presence of a nurse, " according to ViaQuest Behavioral

> Health

> > > > Pennsylvania regional director Grala.

> > > >

> > > > The 129-bed facility treats boys with psychiatric and

> behavioral

> > > > problems, including " sexually abusive or sexually problematic

> > > > behaviors " , the company said.

> > > >

> > > > Ward said there was no restraint involved in White's death.

> Lancaster

> > > > Coroner Kirchner said White had an enlarged heart.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Wasn't there some mention here of a parent, who a few weeks/months ago entered into litigation after her son (Boone, I believe his name may have been) had been unduly/inappropriately restrained at school? She had posted this info on another list group, and I am sure that someone mentioned news of it here. I would try and dig it up, but my email box is such a mess/disaster, as I rarely delete anything, that I doubt I would find the posting. I am sure that there are others out there who are dealing with these restraint issues, but they can't help or support each other, if they do not know who the "others" are. Luckily, my own son has never been (nor needed to be) "restrained" at school, but I was reminded of the ever-looming possibility of it, when I ran into a teaching assistant who used to work at my school but now works at my neighborhood school, which my son would have attended, if he had gone to school in our own neighborhood.

Apparently, they now have a special room in that school, for students with ASD, or others with various behavioral issues, for when they get out of control or have meltdowns. They also have a rule in place, that the police need to be called when any of these students flip out and begin acting in a destructive/self-destructive way. It shocked me to hear that this was happening at our neighborhood school. I had taught as an occasional or supply teacher at that school, in the early 1990's, and although they had some difficult students at that time, there was no such practice in place. It made me wonder about what has transpired in the meantime. Is it that they now have more students with neurological problems, or is it that the staff are less equipped to deal with the students who do have various challenges (or a bit of both) ? I found it heartening to learn that our previous teaching assistant had found herself a position at my neighborhood

school, assisting a boy who was considered to be a "runner" (i.e., could take off, without warning and/or consideration for safety), even though he had done this when he was younger and had not exhibited that sort of behaviour recently. I thought that our school board was perhaps finally "seeing the light", in assigning/giving this boy a special needs assistant (btw, I don't believe this student has any formal diagnosis of ASD). In past years, all my requests to get a special needs assistant for my son (who was also a "runner" in his earlier years, and had a diagnosis of ASD/PDD) fell mostly upon deaf ears. My hopeful thoughts about our school board "beginning to see the light" were very quickly extinguished/dashed, when my previous colleague proceeded to talk about what are current practices at her present school. I asked her about whether the teachers at her school were familiar with doing functional behavioral assessments and

analyses. She didn't know what to answer, except to say that they have all had the "required training". I know from my own (crappy) experience, that teachers having the "required training" does not necessarily mean that they will be able to successfully work with a student diagnosed with ASD. In Grade 3, my son had as his teacher a woman who had her specialist papers in Special Education, and unfortunately, that was the worst year he has had in elementary school. She had the "required training" for her position, but unfortunately, she had no useful info about how to work with kids diagnosed with ASD (she even declined my offers of assistance). I don't know what is going wrong at that school...why the students are having meltdowns for which the police have to be called. It seems to me, that something must be amiss with the programming for these students, if they are ending up in this room, and later have to deal with the police. I don't know whether

the school is calling the police to protect their "own behinds" in case the kids hurt themselves or someone else while in the midst of a meltdown, or whether this is done to "restrain" the children. Having a meltdown can be traumatic enough for a child, never mind having to factor in police presence. In any case, after I heard that bit of info about my neighborhood school, I was happy that my children are not attending that school. I have met some teachers who work at that school, and they seem like wonderful people who want to do the best for their students, but something is not right there, if students are ending up in meltdowns and having to deal with the police at such young ages, especially when they are not involved in any sort of "criminal activity". The "restraint issue" is one which many of us think/worry about, even if it is not affecting our own children currently, because some of us, or

our children have experienced situations, where their behavior was not the best/was misinterpreted and could have led to consequences which could have been detrimental, if not downright dangerous or deadly. Coming back to reality here, another reason why I don't want want my son attending his neighborhood school, if he can witness "out of control students" being taken to a room where they will later meet up with the police, is that this is not likely to affect him in a positive manner. When he was younger, and not as verbal as he is now, he could easily exhibit a physical reaction to watching another child being admonished. Those who say that folks with autism do not experience emotions could be wrong...some may have difficulty expressing their emotions in a way that others can easily understand, but that does not mean these kids do not experience any feelings or emotions where others are concerned. Kids, even when

they are mostly "nonverbal", can show their displeasure/pleasure with some situations in a physical way. I clearly recall the afternoon where my son was dismissed or sent home from one of his speech and language therapy sessions, after he became lethargic and unresponsive (and hot to touch on the back of his neck) during a session where one of his young groupmates was practically "yelled" at by one of the therapists. The therapists all thought my son was ill/coming down with something but it took me 2 minutes, in the car later, to figure out that my son was having this reaction to how they had treated (badly, in his mind) one of his groupmates. The instructors had "yelled" at this kid, which was in my son's mind, a major offence! I was there...all the instructors were trying to do was stop this boy from licking the spoon they were all using to stir their communal dish of chocolate pudding which they were making. Sorry about the rambling on..., however, the restraint issue is an important one. If people are being "restrained", for whatever reason, something may be amiss with their programming. Aasa Debi <fightingautism@...> wrote: She has/is doing all you suggest. The biggest problem is a combo of fear on the parents' side and no onewilling to be our voice. No local reporters will touch it, there areseveral families who have said the school systems in question havegone as far as accused the parents of untrue sexual harassment, calledDHS to report the parents of unfounded abuse, etc. I think the restraining is like autism, you have a handful of parentsacross the nation willing to speak up and damned the

consequences ofwho might try to silence them, while the rest of the parents hadrather bury their heads in the sand. If all the parenst across thenation who are willing to stand up for each other were in one place,we'd be a force to reckon with. The very sad truth is that many peoplewithout autism connections do not care/are so ignorant they probablythink these kids and adults gets what's coming to them. They don'tunderstand that behavior plans, biological treatment, and just plainlove and understanding can go a significant way toward preventingoutbursts that almost always happen because these people with autismare so frustrated at not being able to appropriately communicate theirfeelings. Debi>> Debi, just wanted to add that this mom could call her state bd of > ed..and make a complaint..they would need to

investigate. The other > step is hiring an attorney..

[Guest guest]

Sometimes I wonder if my negative feelings are because of the area of

the country in which I live. We have heard the special ed director of

the county system tell us that we should be thankful these teachers

are willing to work with our " problem children " for peanuts. Yes, he

did use that term. Our state Protection & Advocacy program didn't see

what the problem was, said they wouldn't help, as did our DSC, despite

being told the form filed by the school district was one of several

versions the mother was told. Our own KSC school board member told one

mom that special ed kids need to be " ...shipped off somewhere so they

can be helped... " Yep, this is Knox County, TN, where all these

statements were made.

Also, why would any staff person think sitting a child in the floor

for 20 min with her arms wrapped around her body would be better than

picking up the phone and saying, " Mom, we're having a problem here,

any advice??? " or just getting out of the child's face for a few until

she calms down. The staff person said she couldn't call because the

child was hitting too much, yet stated in the next breath if the child

hadn't calmed down she was gonna have to get someone else to hold her

feet. This staff person is well-trained in restraining for anything,

but lacks enough common sense to reason if she can find someone to get

additional restraining hands, she sure as hell could have found

someone to call the mom before they had provoked the child to this point.

Don't get me wrong, I feel for those who work with out kids, in that I

don't know what the " right " answer would be if I had a 6', 200+lb boy

coming at me full force. These are real issues, but like you, I can't

help but wonder if the reason these kids are going after people is

because they aren't getting the programming they need. In my friend's

child's case, she was provoked every step of the way, and they knew

she had a history of hitting, never ever did anything to develop any

plan to address the issue for over 2 YEARS, despite the mom writing

letters and asking for such. These professionals had rather restrain

than work with these kids, and restraining is known to kill our kids

because they don't have the physical ability to be held, not to

mention the emotional understanding to know why they are being tortured.

Debi

[Guest guest]

Debi,

I am fortunate in that my child attends a school where there is an

understanding of the special needs/circumstances of autism. I fought

to get her there. If my daughter is exhibiting behaviors that are

harmful for her or others, we have set up options such as calming

music, the squeeze machine, a sensory area,giving her supplements to

address that issue, or whatever may work for that moment. They know

her behaviors are due to discomfort, ie noise/physical pain/the

numerous biomedical markers of mercury/viral injury. She is not

being " bad " or trying to harm anyone..she is internally

uncomfortable.

When I worked in psychiatric hospitals, I did see

restraining...These were mentally ill people, and at times teens who

were psychotic/suicidal/homicidal. This is the issue. Autism is

not a mental illness. It is an illness that affects the

neurological system, GI, immune system, and sensory system. Until

this paradigm is shifted, a raging child in pain, who cannot talk,

will be treated as if they are misbehaving or " psychotic " .

If these incidents are happening, parents have to rally and stop

it,either at the district/state/national level. That is why we are

are all here. A good place to start might be on the IEP. NO

RESTRAINTS! And develop a plan with the school/district so that

everyone is safe, and satisfied with the results. My 2c..

>

> Sometimes I wonder if my negative feelings are because of the area

of

> the country in which I live. We have heard the special ed director

of

> the county system tell us that we should be thankful these teachers

> are willing to work with our " problem children " for peanuts. Yes,

he

> did use that term. Our state Protection & Advocacy program didn't

see

> what the problem was, said they wouldn't help, as did our DSC,

despite

> being told the form filed by the school district was one of several

> versions the mother was told. Our own KSC school board member told

one

> mom that special ed kids need to be " ...shipped off somewhere so

they

> can be helped... " Yep, this is Knox County, TN, where all these

> statements were made.

>

> Also, why would any staff person think sitting a child in the floor

> for 20 min with her arms wrapped around her body would be better

than

> picking up the phone and saying, " Mom, we're having a problem here,

> any advice??? " or just getting out of the child's face for a few

until

> she calms down. The staff person said she couldn't call because the

> child was hitting too much, yet stated in the next breath if the

child

> hadn't calmed down she was gonna have to get someone else to hold

her

> feet. This staff person is well-trained in restraining for

anything,

> but lacks enough common sense to reason if she can find someone to

get

> additional restraining hands, she sure as hell could have found

> someone to call the mom before they had provoked the child to this

point.

>

> Don't get me wrong, I feel for those who work with out kids, in

that I

> don't know what the " right " answer would be if I had a 6', 200+lb

boy

> coming at me full force. These are real issues, but like you, I

can't

> help but wonder if the reason these kids are going after people is

> because they aren't getting the programming they need. In my

friend's

> child's case, she was provoked every step of the way, and they knew

> she had a history of hitting, never ever did anything to develop

any

> plan to address the issue for over 2 YEARS, despite the mom writing

> letters and asking for such. These professionals had rather

restrain

> than work with these kids, and restraining is known to kill our

kids

> because they don't have the physical ability to be held, not to

> mention the emotional understanding to know why they are being

tortured.

>

> Debi

>

[Guest guest]

, I agree with everything you stated, as does the mother of this

child. However, it's difficult to have a " no restraint " policy in

effect when the school district tells you there's no such thing and

they cannot honor any request, when they tell you they cannot/will not

conduct a functional behavior assessment, and when they don't even

bother to have a general ed kindergarten teacher present at IEP

meetings that are to plan the child's kindergarten year.

Debi

[Guest guest]

> No local reporters will touch it, there areseveral families who have said the school systems in question havegone as far as accused the parents of untrue sexual harassment, calledDHS to report the parents of unfounded abuse, etc. <

This is common in Texas schools as well and it must be an unwritten policy somewhere. How they get away with this I don't know, but it is done all the time. If they don't like a parent, they are demanding too much, then lie about them to the CPS. Unreal!

C

[Guest guest]

Sounds like it's time to call the bd of ed, an attorney..or

move...that stinks!

>

> , I agree with everything you stated, as does the mother of

this

> child. However, it's difficult to have a " no restraint " policy in

> effect when the school district tells you there's no such thing and

> they cannot honor any request, when they tell you they cannot/will

not

> conduct a functional behavior assessment, and when they don't even

> bother to have a general ed kindergarten teacher present at IEP

> meetings that are to plan the child's kindergarten year.

>

> Debi

>

[Guest guest]

THEY get 8 % of THEIR BUDGET FROM THE fEDS and it is contingent on 90%of their kids being immunized.

Sincerely H.H. Fudenberg, M.D., D.D.G., I.O.M.

864-592-8076

From: " Carlson" <cathykay@...>Reply-EOHarm To: "EOHarm" <EOHarm >Subject: Re: Autistic Man's Death Was UnnecessaryDate: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 21:15:28 -0500

> No local reporters will touch it, there areseveral families who have said the school systems in question havegone as far as accused the parents of untrue sexual harassment, calledDHS to report the parents of unfounded abuse, etc. <

This is common in Texas schools as well and it must be an unwritten policy somewhere. How they get away with this I don't know, but it is done all the time. If they don't like a parent, they are demanding too much, then lie about them to the CPS. Unreal!

C

[Guest guest]

From the little that I do know about IDEA and the policies in place in some states, it seems to me that an FBA (or functional behavioral assessment/analysis) needs to be done before, and not after a student has been suspended for 10 days. I find this situation deplorable! Why are people waiting so long to employ such as a useful tool as FBA? When a child is exhibiting problemmatic behavior, FBA assessment is a useful tool to help stop or mitigate the problemmatic behavior. It can be used in the early stages of problemmatic behavior, where and when the chances of changing this behavior may be better than waiting until a student has been suspended for 10 days for exhibiting unacceptable behavior. Aasa Debi <fightingautism@...> wrote: , I agree with everything you stated, as does the mother

of thischild. However, it's difficult to have a "no restraint" policy ineffect when the school district tells you there's no such thing andthey cannot honor any request, when they tell you they cannot/will notconduct a functional behavior assessment, and when they don't evenbother to have a general ed kindergarten teacher present at IEPmeetings that are to plan the child's kindergarten year. Debi

[Guest guest]

Oh, one of the school board members is the one who said all the sped

kids need to be shipped off to some place where they could be helped.

He also said KCS is gonna do all they get away with and why don't the

parents sue the crap out of them.

Moving is an option, but none of the other counties are any better.

Debi

> >

> > , I agree with everything you stated, as does the mother of

> this

> > child. However, it's difficult to have a " no restraint " policy in

> > effect when the school district tells you there's no such thing and

> > they cannot honor any request, when they tell you they cannot/will

> not

> > conduct a functional behavior assessment, and when they don't even

> > bother to have a general ed kindergarten teacher present at IEP

> > meetings that are to plan the child's kindergarten year.

> >

> > Debi

> >

>

[Guest guest]

It is hard to believe this kind of talk from an elected official is

tolerated by most parents and not picked up by the press. This is a

school district issue as well as a state bd of ed issue. Some kind

of charges need to be brought against him and the district.

> > >

> > > , I agree with everything you stated, as does the mother

of

> > this

> > > child. However, it's difficult to have a " no restraint " policy

in

> > > effect when the school district tells you there's no such

thing and

> > > they cannot honor any request, when they tell you they

cannot/will

> > not

> > > conduct a functional behavior assessment, and when they don't

even

> > > bother to have a general ed kindergarten teacher present at IEP

> > > meetings that are to plan the child's kindergarten year.

> > >

> > > Debi

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

The conversation was on a phone with Tara, the board member is an old

aquaintance of her's. He even told her if she repeated it he would lie

like a dog. So what sort of charges could be proven? And again, what

attorney would take it on?

Debi

> > > >

> > > > , I agree with everything you stated, as does the mother

> of

> > > this

> > > > child. However, it's difficult to have a " no restraint " policy

> in

> > > > effect when the school district tells you there's no such

> thing and

> > > > they cannot honor any request, when they tell you they

> cannot/will

> > > not

> > > > conduct a functional behavior assessment, and when they don't

> even

> > > > bother to have a general ed kindergarten teacher present at IEP

> > > > meetings that are to plan the child's kindergarten year.

> > > >

> > > > Debi

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

You're also talking about a region that had rather fund football stuff

than sped. Oak Ridge City Schools in TN, called the best in the state,

has horrid sped programming. A friend moved from St. Louis where her

daughter was getting 30hr/wk ABA, 3 phone calls at ORCS told her they

would continue any prior IEP. When she enrolled her daughter they gave

her I think it was 2 hrs/wk. When she filed suit many of the residents

told her to stop wasting taxpayer dollars.

But hey, at least Oak Ridge has a good football team...

Debi

>

> It is hard to believe this kind of talk from an elected official is

> tolerated by most parents and not picked up by the press. This is a

> school district issue as well as a state bd of ed issue. Some kind

> of charges need to be brought against him and the district.

[Guest guest]

//Debi wrote:

I'm not talking about peopleenjoying harming our kids, I'm talking about people who are tooignorant to know how to help our kids and too prideful to want to learn.The article said it all, the man was restrained, he died from therestraint, and those who restrained said they do not believe they usedexcessive force. How can it be both?//

I think "too prideful to want to learn" are the key words, Debi.

In our school district NOT ONE teacher has bothered to

to become educated in efficacious programs for autists.

(such as TEACCH which has proven outcomes producing autonomous happy autists). Other than quickie 2 day ABA

seminars, a therapy which studies show had efficacy with only a *select * group, a portion of very young children. You know the old saying

" a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing".

These *teachers* have little or no special knowledge , strategies, or stress reducers for the child, or themselves under their belts.

It is common to see aides and teachers who think like

wreckless teenagers who jump in a race car and try to run the Indy 500 w/o training. It would be like a geriatric nurse who force

feeds a NICU preemie infant veggies because she learned vegetables were healthy for children. They can cause much harm , not because they enjoy harming , but because of pride and ignorance.

Even in States where it is now required to have specialized training in specific disabilities school districts are able to

just sign anyone they feel like into "para-professional status" stating they gave them training in the disability.

I believe the state should mandate only those who have proven accountability and outcomes should be qualified to work with our children, who have limited precious time to learn.

One needs to ask the school's special education director:

Where are your former students today?

Do they have a good quality of life?

If they can't answer affirmatively your child shouldn't have to waste precious time in their loser programs,

where they may be seriously harmed.

Also ask if they've read 'Evidence Of Harm', by Kirby. Or do they think are kids are martians. Or like one special ed director I know maybe they think

auties are all "diabolical". Believe it or not , that's what this guy said.

Untrained prideful teachers and aides add up to incompetency . Some of them are chronically on the offensive to prevent themselves from being placed on the defensive. They are chronically frustrated, too lazy to learn effective strategies, and make

themselves and the child miserable. Consequently

the outcomes are poor to tragic.

-------------- Original message -------------- From: "Debi" <fightingautism@...> > I totally agree with you that these people need training. The problem > is when they won't learn and refuse to listen, and the people training > them refuse to hold them accountable. I'm not talking about people > enjoying harming our kids, I'm talking about people who are too > ignorant to know how to help our kids and too prideful to want to learn. > > The article said it all, the man was restrained, he died from the > restraint, and those who restrained said they do not believe they used > excessive force. How can it be both? > > Debi > > > > > > > > > > > > Anyone see this one? > > > > > > > > > > Police: Teen dies after reportedly being restrained > > > > > > > > > > The Associated Press > > > > > > > > > > EPHRATA, Pa. - A teen living at a behavioral treatment center > > died > > > > > after reportedly being restrained for disruptive behavior, > > police > > > said. > > > > > > > > > > Giovanni Aletriz, 16, of town, may have gone into cardiac > > arrest > > > > > Saturday after employees at SummitQuest Academy restrained > > him, said > > > > > Ephrata police, who were investigating. He later died at a > > hospital. > > > > > > > > > > His death was the second one at SummitQuest in less than two > > months. > > > > > Another resident, White, 17, died in December of what > > the county > > > > > coroner determined was natural causes. > > > > > > > > > > Giovanni's mother, , told the New Era of > > Lancaster that > > > > > she suspects he was restrained improperly. > > > > > > > > > > "My son had a strong heart and shouldn't be dead. There's no > > reason a > > > > > 16-year-old should die of a heart attack," she said. The > > family has > > > > > hired an independent pathologist, she said. > > > > > > > > > > Stacey Ward, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of > > Public > > > > > Welfare, said the agency visited the facility Monday but had > > not > > > > > completed its investigation. > > > > > > > > > > A police news release said "reports are" that Giovanni had been > > > > > restrained before he died. The police referred questions to > > Lancaster > > > > > County District Attorney Don Totaro, who declined to comment > > about > > > > > whether the boy had been restrained. > > > > > Click here! > > > > > > > > > > SummitQuest's parent company issued a statement saying > > information > > > > > about the treatment of people in their care is protected by > > > privacy laws. > > > > > > > > > > "On the subject of the use of restraint in general, at > > SummitQuest > > > > > Academy, we utilize a comprehensive crisis management > > procedure ... > > > > > (that) includes techniques designed to safely use manual > > restraint in > > > > > the presence of a nurse," according to ViaQuest Behavioral > > Health > > > > > Pennsylvania regional director Grala. > > > > > > > > > > The 129-bed facility treats boys with psychiatric and > > behavioral > > > > > problems, including "sexually abusive or sexually problematic > > > > > behaviors", the company said. > > > > > > > > > > Ward said there was no restraint involved in White's death. > > Lancaster > > > > > Coroner Kirchner said White had an enlarged heart. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >