Anonymous
asks:
Q:
Are public schools required to allow Autistic children to remain in their school even if the child is a physical threat to the other children
This child has attacked numerous children and teachers, has destroyed property and uses profanity. He has been removed from the classroom but still has caused numerous instances where the school has had to go on
"lock down" because he is in the hall screaming profanity and physically attacking anyone who is nearby. My children as well as many other children are scared to go to school and parents are very upset because this enviroment is not conducive to learning. We have been told by the administration that he is protected by the Disabilities Act and that unless he does serious physical harm to someone or brings a weapon to school that the situation will remain the same. Although I am very sympathetic to this child and his family I am not willing to let my child be the one serious harm is done to.
In Topics:
Special needs, Autism & Aspergers Syndrome, Discipline and behavior challenges
"lock down" because he is in the hall screaming profanity and physically attacking anyone who is nearby. My children as well as many other children are scared to go to school and parents are very upset because this enviroment is not conducive to learning. We have been told by the administration that he is protected by the Disabilities Act and that unless he does serious physical harm to someone or brings a weapon to school that the situation will remain the same. Although I am very sympathetic to this child and his family I am not willing to let my child be the one serious harm is done to.
> 60 days ago
What the Expert Says:
Additional Answers (2)
I read your question and was very concerned by it. Every child is allowed to have a free and appropriate education. However, this sounds much like that not only are your childs needs not being met, but neither is the child that is causing the problems. Some districts don't understand the Least Restrictive Environment. You are put in a sticky situation though. As a parent you can voice your concerns, but you can't know to much information on the child themself due to confidentiality rules. I know that my answer didn't help much. I know that in our school we had this same issue that started last year. It finally was able to be somewhat resolved this year, because of all of the steps that schools have to go through to cover all of their bases. Good luck!
> 60 days ago
The school is right. He is protected by the Disabilities Act. Autism is a very serious disability and most children do not know what they are doing when they are in that type of mode. This child is probably in a special needs classroom most of the time and those teachers and assistants are trained to handle all those types of situations. Some states also have specially trained behavior techs that come into the school to work with certain students to get their attitudes and behavior under control. Maybe you should ask if he has one of these behavior techs available to him. They work wonders for even the most uncontrolled children and teens. But remember he is autistic and most of his problems cannot be resolved. Autism is not cureable!!
> 60 days ago
