http://www.wnem.com/story/27842544/couple-suing-after-8-year-old-son-arrested-put-in-straight-jacket#.VL-hhgXE1Ak.gmail
I discovered the article linked above, about an 8 year old boy with autism that broke my
heart.This story hits home for me because my son is 9 years old with autism and have meltdowns too.
The school and law enforcement failed this child. Unfortunately, due to their poor judgement and lack
of knowledge, this little boy has a criminal record, which could have been avoided. This is also why I
feel teachers, police officers and first responders need training about autistic behaviors and
individuals. Resources are available, due to the rapidly increasing numbers of individuals being
diagnosed with autism. As a dad who attends autistic training and workshops regularly, I realized
that the people in authority, who will benefit from these training the most, do not attend.
Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge,.."
I do not want my son or any individual with autism harmed or injured or destroyed because society
refused to learn how to interact with people who have autism. As parents our job is to protect our
children, and we are told to trust teachers and police officers to protect our children when they are
away from home. Then, this incident happens and our worst fears become reality.
As a result, this boy now has another issue to deal with along with his autism.
His parents who followed proper procedure to prevent incidents like this from happening, now must
try to help their autistic son get over this terrible experience. An experience that he does not
understand and one that will remain with him for the rest of his life. Sadly, the articles does not
mention that he will be labeled as a violent child, as a result of his meltdown and arrest.
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