Hi All, I am usually a lurker but feel the need to jump in on this topic of biting. First of all, kudos to Beth Benoit, as her post is the only one in this thread that I can relate to. We are discussing a BABY here....a baby with the cognitive level that precludes playing WITH children. Another valid point that Beth made is the reasoning that the baby is probably overwhelmed with all those children. Quite frankly, I am shocked that this group even entertained the notion of aversive procedures for this baby. I am very familiar with the use of all behavioral techniques, as I work at one of the largest developmental centers in the country. The clients we serve are developmentally disabled and all we employ are behavioral techniques. We deal with VERY severe problems, such as severe SIB, pica, and aggression. The Department of Justice would "have our heads" if we used these aversive procedures for our clients. In fact, we must receive a myriad of approvals, included human rights and informed consent, for even a time-out procedure. Yet, our psychology department has been very effective in decreasing maladaptive behaviors by using reinforcement techniques and teaching competing behaviors. I have the same convictions about this baby in question, except I feel even stronger about the baby because if these proposed procedures were used, then I think they would be teaching her some very painful, if not traumatic, lessons. Another important point I would like to make is the fact that I was a child protection investigator for 12 years prior to entering graduate school. Several years ago, I investigated a daycare that subsequently lost its license for putting a jalape�o pepper on a child's tongue as an aversive measure for biting. The laws vary from state to state, but in my state, spraying with ammonia or ice water, or putting lemon juice on a child's tongue would, at the very least, result in an investigation of that daycare. Now, before I am beheaded, let me thank you for all the discussion. I appreciate that we can have differing opinions and I have learned from these discussions and enjoyed these threads. Cheryl Marsiglia, Ph.D.
--- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
