[The Washington Post is] doing a disservice to individuals with autism and their families by printing an article that [implies] folks with autism can be so dangerous that they must be shocked into compliance.

The only articles I would be interested in reading on this topic are (1) one announcing the closure of the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center or (2) one announcing that aversive shock punishment is illegal to use on individuals with disabilities.

I have an adult son with autism who has engaged in self-injurious behavior. It was decreased through use of a positive behavioral plan, designed by a competent psychologist and monitored with data collection. Any medication prescribed to him was overseen by a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in working with autistic individuals.

Under no circumstances would I ever consider aversive shock punishment (don’t call it “therapy”) for my son or any of his peers. You are doing a disservice to individuals with autism and their families by printing an article that [implies] folks with autism can be so dangerous that they must be shocked into compliance.

Lyda Astrove, Rockville, Md.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/letters-readers-respond-to-stories-about-active-shooters-autism-therapy/2016/12/20/759c499e-be2d-11e6-91ee-1adddfe36cbe_story.html?utm_term=.839587c7f527