guest blog by Carol Lerner, MSCCC
Treating children with ADHD who have behavior issues requires a multidisciplinary approach. It is unacceptable for a third grader, or any child, to be handcuffed for behavioral issues.
It is well documented that management involves a team of professionals, including a psychologist, a behavior specialist, a psychiatrist, and/or a social worker. A police officer is not likely trained in the management of children who have ADHD.
I believe the child should be in the least restrictive environment to maintain safety for both the child who is acting out as well as the other children in the school setting. The appropriate professionals should be available and contacted immediately for intervention. Police officers working in a school setting with children who have special needs should be trained in the management of behavior issues and acceptable interventions, without the use of handcuffs or force.
Carol Lerner, MS, CCC, is a speech-language pathologist and a co-founder of CHADD.
Well said Mrs. Lerner. I could not agree with you more. That age group does not require handcuffs for regular behavior problems. If properly trained staff are present, the situation can be de-escalated with satisfactory results.
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