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Social policy on the use of aversive interventions: Empirical, ethical, and legal considerations

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Abstract

In an effort to address the controversy regarding the use of aversive interventions in the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities, this paper presents a review of the literature on the efficacy of such interventions, along with brief reviews of the ethical and legal issues involved. In general, there appears to be empirical, ethical, and legal support for the continued availability of aversive interventions as treatment options, but only if sufficient safeguards are in place.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Eden W.E.R.C.s, One Logan Drive, 08540, Princeton, New Jersey

    Peter Gerhardt & Michele Goodman

  2. Eden Family of Programs, Princeton, New Jersey

    David L. Holmes & Michael Alessandri

Authors
  1. Peter Gerhardt
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  2. David L. Holmes
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  3. Michael Alessandri
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  4. Michele Goodman
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Additional information

The authors acknowledge Thomas Boyle for his insightful contributions to this manuscript. In addition, a special thanks is extended to the Eden Family of Programs' staff and participants and their families.

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Gerhardt, P., Holmes, D.L., Alessandri, M. et al. Social policy on the use of aversive interventions: Empirical, ethical, and legal considerations. J Autism Dev Disord 21, 265–277 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02207323

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