I joined just to reply to this because most people do not understand that a time out is considered a Human Rights violation when you are working with developmentally disabled people and put them in a time out. There is a certain level of understanding that is required for a time out to work. And, like it or not, it's punishment and a punishment that, more often than not, needs restraint. We are not allowed to punish, we're not allowed to restrain. We are not allowed to take away anyone's rights without first going before a Human Rights Committee and getting permission The problem comes when people who work with DD adults (or children) watch Nanny tv shows showing that the ONLY way to control behavior is a timeout, taking a child by the arm kicking, screaming and crying. Then, some TV magic later, the child is sitting quiet and cooperative. People who work at group homes or sheltered workshops see this on TV and figure-well, I'll try that Time Out to see if that works. It looks like it works when I see it on TV. Right or wrong, it's not allowed in NJ and many other states. If someone is caught giving a developmentally disabled person a time out--jobs over--and it wasn't a really high paying job to begin with. It might be the right punishment for some children, but it's a shame to have to control a child's behavior with punishment. Better to try a token reward system where a child gets attention for GOOD behavior and earns their rewards by being good rather than be bribed into it. Just my tree-fitty!