The Autistic Boy that was Voted 'Off the Island''s mom was on Fox News this morning..

[cin]

They called him Autistic, so maybe the tests are in. It was a very interesting interview. He was sent to the principal's office and was 'calmed down' by the nurse. Then sent back to the classroom. the teacher said what are you doing back? There are also allegations of physical abuse, substantiated by another classmate. Also, in talking to the other parents, there's a TON of stuff that's gone on that she didn't even know about. The teacher has TENURE, so we all know what that means. >sigh<

One of the legal analysts said that there are plenty of grounds for civil and legal lawsuits--discrimination, child abuse, etc etc. But he pointed out that the best thing would be to have a meeting with the teacher, and the teacher make it known to the child that she was wrong, and she is sorry, and that she thinks he is 'of value' so to speak. The mom said that the little boy is afraid of the teacher, but that she would consider it, IF she could calm his fears.

You know, I have a teaching degree, but I really dont' need one to tell me that doing that to a child is sooo WRONG. Just NOT. RIGHT. So to me, that just reinforces what I've said all along. You do NOT need a degree to homeschool your children. If you LOVE the children you are teaching, you would NEVER do something this hurtful to them. It's ridiculous.

Oh yeah, I don't know if she's homeschooling, but he's not been back since this happened. I really really hope she does :001_smile: I think it would probably be the best thing for this poor kid.

off my soapbox, for now, anyway ;)

[elegantlion]

I heard the mother the other day on a phone interview. The little boy is just adorable, I can't imagine someone intentionally tearing apart his self-esteem like that.

As mad as I am at that teacher, I'd rather turn it around so the child was bombarded with letters of encouragement and affirmation. Does anyone know if something like that is being discussed?

[angela in ohio]

Did they interview anyone from the school or the teacher?

[jejily]

No one from the school would go on record, they just sent a statement saying the incident was under review.

A news article I read said the mom got the "official" diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome on Tuesday, from the psychiatrist doing the evaluation. So, he is now "officially" considered Autistic. If that's the correct way to phrase it.

I agree, Paula, the child needs bombarded with encouragement and affirmation. Personally, I think the school should pay for the family to have counseling to help repair this child's self-esteem.

[Jann in TX]

My oldest dd was always a bit different--more than just a bit shy--BUT she was never disruptive--she was a 'naturally sweet' child (she was probably on the high end of the autistic spectrum). DD adored her K teachers and WANTED to adore her 1st grade teacher too...

Things got off to a rocky start--it was blamed on the State changing K objectives. The year DD was in K they did NOT teach reading. The year DD was in 1st grade they started teaching reading in K AND they also changed the 1st grade materials accordingly!!! DD and 90% of her classmates were not reading the mandated '50 sight words' on the first day of 1st grade. Her teacher kept sending home notes (not very nice ones either). I put my younger dd in daycare 2 mornings a week so I could 'help' in dd's classroom. I was NOT impressed with her teacher...I asked for a change of teachers but I was denied (I found out later than 15 out of 20 parents had also requested a change).

After Christmas dd started asking to stay home from school. By April dd was shaking in TERROR at the thought of going to school--I finally opened my eyes and SAW the abuse she had endured.

I went to the principal but I was brushed away. I pulled dd out of school that day.

The day after I pulled dd out several parents came forward and told me of the ABUSE dd had endured. "Teacher" constantly called her 'stupid' or just ignored her when she had a question. DD was NOT in a reading group--and teacher NEVER worked with her in class.

9 out of the 20 students were 'held back' that year. DD was not on that list--so it was really 10!

DD repeated 1st grade at a private school the next year. In 2nd grade she returned to PS at a DIFFERENT school across town. DD has been home since 3rd grade. Home has been the BEST place for her--she is now in 11th.

DH and I still have some regrets that we did not press charges against the teacher and the school. I have state teacher certification and I heard that I would be 'black listed' if we pressed on...

It was SEVERAL years before we could drive by that first school with dd in the car. Just DRIVING by made her shake uncontrollably. If she heard a name that was similar to her 'Teacher's' she would have the same reaction. DD had several years of therapy--and she has blocked most of the memories from that year.

I really feel for the little boy in this story. He WILL remember this and he WILL suffer for years--even with therapy.

In 99% of cases I'm not for suing. This is THE EXCEPTION!

[khope1]

The teacher has TENURE, so we all know what that means.


Are you referring to the FL case of the K teacher that had the class vote for the boy not to return? If so, there is no Tenure in FL. She needs to be fired. Its amazing that teachers get away with stuff like that-the boy has had tons of support from the Autistic society, and the mom was on my local news stating that she was very relieved after all of the negativity of the school that he endured, that she has so many positive supporters for her son.

Kimmi in FL

[Captivated]

This is so heartbreaking...just makes me want to cry. So glad your dd is home and doing wonderfully!