Connecticut considers experimental therapy for disruptive in centers

Juvenile Justice Digest, Apr 18, 2003

Connecticut lawmakers are considering an experimental therapy for unruly detained juveniles, which the medical profession has used primarily for the treatment of learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder in children.

Although state correctional authorities oppose the concept because of the potentially high cost, the House Judiciary Committee has drafted a bill, HB 5850, and taken testimony.

State Rep. Lenny Wilkins, who sponsored the bill, said the measure recognizes a basic problem within the correctional system: Many adult and juvenile offenders have learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders that go untreated.

The bill would require the Connecticut to "establish a program to provide neurotherapy guided by quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) brain mapping for each adult and juvenile in the custody of the Commissioner of Correction concurrent with the traditional therapies already provided to such persons. Such treatment shall be provided pursuant to a prescription and under the supervision of a licensed clinical neuropsychologist."

Winkler said she learned about the benefits of the treatment during her involvement with legislation meant to prohibit schools from recommending psychotropic drugs for children with learning disabilities.

But Winkler said she discovered many children improve with neurotherapy treatment and are able to discontinue the prescription without any adverse affects as their conditions improve.

Dr. Jonathan F. Michaelis, a Clinical neuropsychologist, testified that offenders would benefit because many have attention-deficit and related disorders.

He also said such treatment would be among the first in the nation to deal with underlying disorders of repeat offenders.