Behavioral treatment of children with autism, mental retardation, and related disabilities: ethics and efficacy.
OBJECTIVE
Ethical debates concerning the use of aversive versus nonaversive behavior management continue among those who treat children with autism, mental retardation, and related disabilities.


OBJECTIVE
To identify and discuss the crux of the aversive versus nonaversive debate by defining relevant terminology, examining assumptions and arguments that influence treatment approaches, and exploring the efficacy of nonaversive behavior modification techniques.


METHODS
A case study to illustrate the use of aversive and nonaversive techniques and to compare the findings of these different approaches to treatment


CONCLUSIONS
As front-line interveners, nurses need to be aware of underlying philosophical and ethical issues if they are to implement the most effective treatment strategies while serving as advocates for the long-term welfare of children and their families.
Elder
J H
JH
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D001348:Aversive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002651:Child Advocacy; D002665:Child Psychiatry; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000628:therapy*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing