FDA Misses Deadline to Ban 'Torture' Shock Device on Autistic Children

The FDA has missed its deadline to ban the electrical stimulation device (ESD), known as the GED, used for behavior modification on autistic and developmentally disabled individuals. The device delivers painful shocks, described as worse than a commercial stun gun, and has been condemned as torture by UN officials. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR) criticizes the delay, calling for an immediate ban. The FDA's previous attempt to ban the device was overturned in court, but a 2023 law granted the agency new authority. Despite proposing a ban in 2024, the FDA missed its June 2026 deadline, leaving the device still in use, primarily at the Judge Rotenberg Center in Massachusetts. Survivors report extreme pain, trauma, and suicidal thoughts from the shocks, which can be administered up to 77 times a day. The American Academy of Pediatrics and over 100 advocacy groups support the ban, warning that the device can worsen the behaviors it aims to correct. CCHR President Jan Eastgate emphasizes that the delay reflects a broader failure to protect the public from coercive psychiatric practices, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The organization has a long history of advocating against electroshock, having helped secure bans on its use on minors in California, Texas, and Western Australia. The UN and WHO have also called for an end to such coercive practices. The CCHR urges prioritizing human rights over damaging psychiatric treatments.

The device, which delivers 60 volts and 15 milliamps, has been linked to severe pain, burns, and psychological trauma. The case of Andre McCollins, who was shocked 31 times in one day, sparked national outrage. Mother Jones exposed the facility's abuses, charging $220,000 per student annually, with six deaths reported. New York State Senator Jabari Brisport stated that no facility using electroshock on children can be trusted. Nancy Weiss, a retired professor, noted that electric shock is not allowed on prisoners or terrorists, highlighting the double standard. CCHR submitted comments supporting a comprehensive ban, and the Stop the Shock Coalition continues to push for action. The missed deadline underscores the ongoing struggle to end this practice, which many consider torture.