Judge Orders Family To Stop Using Cattle Prod On Autistic Son

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The Bernstein family says that the only way they can stop their 48-year-old son from beating himself is to use the cattle prod on him. The man's mother Fran, says that the shock from the prod is very light and she only has to use it around once a month.

"He can black his eyes; he has cuts all over his face," said his mother. "He hits his head with an open hand."

The Bernsteins have until the end of the month to file an appeal, which they've said they will do.

Trinity Services Inc, is the group home where the autistic man lives. They are completely opposed to the use of a cattle prod and say that it is morally and ethically repugnant.

"Other persons with other developmental disabilities that are much more severe and much more difficult to handle, and Trinity is able to handle those situations in a humane and compassionate manner," said Matt Henderson, an attorney for Trinity Services, Inc.

It has been reported that in 1987 the Bernstein family won a lawsuit that compelled the group home to use the cattle prod, but it has lost twice since then -- last year and just a few days ago, when electric shock treatment was outlawed.

Tony Paulauski, executive director of The Arc of Illinois, a disabled persons' advocacy group, said, "aversive procedures are not consistent with positive, proactive approaches or best practices, and must be avoided."

The Bernstein's say that they will continue to use the cattle prod on Bradley whenever he is in their home. He can only speak a few words and he communicates with his eyes and hand movements. Mrs. Bernstein says that she afraid that if the shocks stop permanently and he starts banging his head again, his eyes will be affected and so will his ability to communicate. "If he continues to hit his head, he's going to be blind," Fran Bernstein said. "And that is his way of communicating -- with his eyes."

There has just got to be another way to control this man. If the group home believes they can do it some other, more humane way, they should be allowed to do so.