It is unclear what most residents wearing the device will think of treatment. Many people, including Green and Hinton, do not speak or communicate using only a single word and a short phrase. The centre will not allow time to interview anyone wearing the impact device during their visit later last year.
However, in 2022, investigators from the Behavioral Analysis Association spoke with four shocked patients. The three said they didn't want that. Even if a patient wanted treatment, the organization dismissed it and made the group one such last.
The protest came with greater changes in society's understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. There is growing awareness that efforts to “correct” undesired behavior can hurt people. The move, led by autistic adults and clinicians, instead advocates for greater understanding from society and greater support for speech therapy and other treatments.
Msumba, a former Rotenberg Center resident who wore the device, has proven that the alternative could work. Her new treatment facility spoke to lawmakers in 2023, giving her time to understand and deal with her disorders and prescribes her rejected medication at Rotenberg.
As a result, she said, “I'm in real life now.”
Rotenberg Center CEO Glenda Crookes said a lot has changed after Dr. Israel left in 2011 as part of a deal with state officials investigating cases in which the device was misapplied.
Crookes said the changes include expanding other forms of treatment. However, the facility remains committed to the value of Dr. Israel, she added that it includes an impact device. “Our priority was to ensure treatment continued.”
