Sir, – As a parent of a child with an intellectual disability, I would like to express my deep concern at the finding that over half of people with such disabilities living in residential centres are being prescribed antipsychotic or "chemical cosh" drugs ( "Chemical restraint of intellectually disabled common in residential centres, study finds", June 2nd).
Most people have the autonomy and power to make everyday decisions about their own lives. Rigid institutions strip this power away.
It is little wonder that “behaviour problems” result from the distress that the person experiences as a consequence.
As taxpayers, we are supporting this practice, whether we like it or not. Why do these institutions have control and power over the person’s funding and the person’s life ? Surely people should be funded individually and supported to make their own choices.
I wonder how many Irish Times readers would also require powerful drugs to control their behaviour if housed in such institutions?
This is a grave human rights issue. – Yours, etc,
MARGARET GREGG,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.