Restraint chair belt used - 3 yr old with autism?

Question

I found out today from my son's ABA therapist that when she went to observe him in school (autism - age 3.5) she saw that he was belted in to a rifton chair for much of the day...including when he was 1:1 with speech therapist. I was livid of course and called DPI who was equally upset and phoned the district head of Sp.E. I am pulling him out now until they meet my prior request for a 1:1. I will also be asking for a new placement. He is such a sweet little guy and no one would ever even approve of such restraints. Has anyone ever been through this? What have your experiences been?

Answer 1

I know different states have different laws, but where I live (CA) that would be 100% illegal. It would be considered a "restraint" or emergency procedure and would require an IEP. That fact that they used this as an "intervention" without your consent and restricted your child's movement in this way is a violation of their rights. Be livid! Even in states that have more liberal "restraint" or aversive laws this would typically not be allowed to be used with notifing you as well as going through some sort of approval process. A rifton chair is a tool typically used by OTs for children with severe motor or muscular issues who need the support and strap provided by the chair to remain up right in a chair of physical reasons. It is not meant to be nor should it ever be used as a "behavioral intervention"

Answer 2

I teach a special education class with several students with autism. I have used a rifton chair for a few of my students, because it provides support for them, and they are able to concentrate better when they are not able to get up constantly. We limit the time they are allowed to be in the chair, but it can really help them concentrate on seat work. The important thing for you to find out is if they are using it as a restraint (which is not the intended use of the chair) or if they are doing this to provide him support sitting to do work. Either way, they should have discussed this with you before doing this. I talked to my students' parents in length, explained to them why I thought this might help their child, and invited them to observe in the class.

Please talk to the teacher and see what their intentions were. Although it never should have been used without your consent, they may not have been trying to restrain your son.

For the 1:1 assistant, you need to have a list of reasons that your son needs a personal assistant. You must prove that your son can not be successful without a personal assistant in order to convince the school that your child needs one. Good Luck!