Non-profit bullied by school that shocks autistic people

Ben Breaux, a 22-year-old non-speaking autistic individual, highlights the continued use of electro-shock therapy at the Judge Rotenberg Center. He references a 2012 videotape showing 17-year-old Andre McCollins being shocked 31 times while restrained. The center institutionalizes autistic and disabled individuals, often against their will, using skin shock devices controlled remotely by staff for minor behavioral issues.

NeuroClastic, an advocacy organization for autistic people, published a survey of 900 applied behavioral analysis community members who condemned the Judge Rotenberg Center's use of shocks. In response, the center sent a cease-and-desist letter and threatened a defamation lawsuit against NeuroClastic, attempting to silence their criticism.

The speaker expresses initial fear but ultimately defiance in response to the cease-and-desist letter, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against abuses. NeuroClastic asserts the truth and accuracy of their statements, vowing to defend their constitutional right to free speech. FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) has stepped in to represent NeuroClastic, aiming to prevent the Judge Rotenberg Center from silencing critics through meritless lawsuits and to level the playing field for unheard voices.