The other night I watched a documentary about this organization:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wide_...nd_Schools
I found this story very concerning, as there appear to be huge injustices happening, with no government regulation.
While autism or AS have no direct relevance to these controversial boot camps, I think this organisation should still be of interest, for a number of reasons. I think it is quite probable that there are some (diagnosed or undiagnosed) autistic teens amongst those who are sent to these very dubious places by parents.
Secondly, one of the principles by which these places operate is the same as ABA - behaviour modification of the kind advocated by Skinner. THese places apply behaviour modification to young people who have "undesirable behaviours" at the request of parents. The similarities with ABA are obvious. These places are like ABA meets Guantanamo Bay, for all kinds of youngsters, not just autistic ones.
Thirdly, from what was stated in the documentary that I watched, the people who own these places donate substantial sums of money to one US poltitcal party, and also appear to get off lightly with regard to scrutiny from government agencies responsible for child protection. This might indicate that the human rights of vulnerable members of society, such as minors or autistics, might be compromised by corruption.
It's a real worry.
I am quite amused when I hear some people suggest that "young people in trouble with the law" should be "sent into the army boots and make men out of them, straighten them out." So how is taking young gang members and teaching them to use guns and how to kill people going to make them better fit into society? They are exactly the type of people the armed forces do not want.
The army does not seem to want people with autism anyway. They use psychological testing during recruitment. If there was a draft or time of war, they might take them.
Most of the parents who use boot camp are just desparate. It seems they had allowed their children to do anything they wanted while they were young because it seemed cute. A disobedient 5-yr old seems cute to them but not a teenage who steals the family car and wrecks it. They are not very good at explaining anything like rules to their children or even giving them rules that they can follow. I am wondering what behaviours the parents are trying to modify?
Some of the parents of teenagers are saying to the kids who drop out of high school to get a job or get out. They are not asking why the kids dropped out of school or even thinking that getting a job is very difficult for young people in some places, even for educated people.
I know an aspie who was sent to the army cadets I think because they were judged to be an "at risk" youth. Surprisingly this person did not report any bullying of themself, but others were subject to abuse from peers (I think they call it "bastardization"). I agree that it is a very stupid idea to give "at risk" youths firearms training.
All this isn't hugely relevant to the organisation that I wrote about in the beginning of this thread, because it is only done in the style of a boot camp, but is not military training, nor is it in any way connected to or run by any military or government. I think it is operated by a private corporation and is connected to the Mormon church, and the programme is based on the methodology of psychological behaviour modification rather than military training.
Hi Lili
I am no longer surprised by anything that happens in the US, it seems than just about anything is for sale at the right price, especially politicians
I would be surprised if there were not at least a few people in those camps with AS or even ASD. Leaving aside the disability for a moment, you do not change anti social behaviour without first motivating the individual. Motivating an individual comes from self belief and self worth, not beating.
I am all for analysing behaviour in an effort to understand and reduce anxiety but I am wary of terms like "behaviour management or behaviour modification" because where does it stop.
This link shows that ABA is supposed to be about helping the child
http:// vygotsky.sfasu.edu/Courses/Psy503/503assign/lecture.html
although I can't say if it is good or bad as I have no experience of it.
We need to gain more tolerance in society by increasing awareness without forcing views on people. The more people that understand the difficulties faced on a daily basis by people "affected by autism" the more likely that there will be more tolerance from teachers, employers, police and others.
Speaking as a parent of an ASD I just try to do the best in helping her, she is autistic and we have accepted that. Now we have to support her to reach all of her potential and take her place in the world. Of course we will teach her that society has certain expectations such as those laid down by the "public order act" but I want her to be herself and enjoy life without feeling shackled by other people's expectations.
Also, you need to find out what is at the bottom of the misbehaviour and this is hard with people with communication difficulties. They often lash out because of frustration that they cannot get their concerns heard and acted upon and because what they do say comes out the wrong way.
Not sure of the reasoning behind sending "at risk" youth to "boot camps", but I do know that these boot camps aren't like the military. They don't give them weapons of any kind as far as I know.
As for sending people to the military? I think it's a great idea. The military isn't all about weapons. It's about discipline, self-respect/esteem, and doing something for your country. Many countries in the world actually require anyone over the age of 18 or 21 to serve in their country's military or do federal service (working for the government in some respect). You'll find that it does a lot of good.
Naturally, there needs to be a selection process (which the military has) and many on the autistic spectrum may not be able to serve. I served 5.5 years in the Army and did pretty good while I was there. Was it easy? No. Am I glad I did it? Yes. I think it made me a much better person that I probably would have been had I not gone.
My opinion may not be popular and I'm certainly not a supporter of the current war (don't get me started) but I do support our troops who have no choice now that they are there.