In response to member concerns recently brought to the ACBS Board, the board members of ACBS wish to state that we are unequivocally opposed to the use of contingent electric skin shock (CESS), in the treatment of challenging behaviors or under any circumstances.
Evidence does not support the use of CESS. A recent literature review of the use of CESS to target severe aggression and self-injury identified numerous concerns including methodological problems, insufficient evidence of effectiveness, ethical concerns, and adverse side effects including physical and psychological injury (Zarcone et al., 2020).
We believe in a compassionate science, one that employs evidence based practices to help individuals reach their full potential. By advocating for the discontinuation of CESS, we hope to support the continued evolution of an ethical and compassionate behavior analysis.
- ACBS Board of Directors
June 7, 2022
National Autism Center. (2015). Findings and conclusions: National standards project, phase 2.