Autistic child attacked by teachers at Madison Central School

I hope the mom sue's them and makes the teacher's name's public they should be fired...It shouldnt matter if he was autistic or not he shouldnt have been grabbed in a aggressive manner when he was doing what another adult told him to do!

The person who posted named Madison has obviously not ever dealt with someone with Autism. They sometimes have violent fits. Which is more than likely what happened. And, may I ask, why was this child in regular school and not at a school better equipped for him? Also, this is the second incident in two different schools. Kind of points directly at the problem. So, we should sue the school for not being able to handle a special needs child in a regular school? Makes no sense and also part of why this country is failing. I bet the mother feels no personal responsibility for not putting her special needs child in a special needs school. Sounds like a setup.

first of all there is no such thing as a special school....its called ese in regular school do your homework before you decide to type something you know nothing about.And actually i have two children with autism and my husband and myself deal with children with disabilities everyday! And the first incident he was 5 years old and left on a school bus for hours .so shut up and dont comment on wht you dont know...as far as suing the school no its more like i want them to replace the items they damaged.And yes you should be able to sue the school since they are trained to handle special needs children.And no i don't feel a responsibility because if they couldn't handle him they wouldn't have let me enroll him,also my son isn't violent and never has been seeing that he was the one bleeding and the teachers were not hurt at all in any way.so before you judge someone ask for the facts!

John wrote:

The person who posted named Madison has obviously not ever dealt with someone with Autism. They sometimes have violent fits. Which is more than likely what happened. And, may I ask, why was this child in regular school and not at a school better equipped for him? Also, this is the second incident in two different schools. Kind of points directly at the problem. So, we should sue the school for not being able to handle a special needs child in a regular school? Makes no sense and also part of why this country is failing. I bet the mother feels no personal responsibility for not putting her special needs child in a special needs school. Sounds like a setup.

Not tring to be nasty however You speak like a person of great ignorance! Having had children in the public school systems in Suwannee county I agree the school system in North Florida in general needs to be sued! They are long overdue for a wake up call! This is no isolated case just one that finally went public so before you speak your mind of something you obviously have never had the horror of your children being involved in why dont you shut up and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt! I refuse to send any more of my children to schools in North Florida! For just cause! You must be a teacher!

I am so sorry to hear about this story. My heart goes out to that child, his parents, and our school system. Our schools are being pulled in so many directions due to budget cuts. This situation to me only shows the failings of an already tired system that is in need of real repairs and not more "AYP" nonsense our state system is pushing upon us. Each year our budgets are being cut more and more. We have more special needs children than ever before and yes, nt all staff members are trained to deal with ESE students (that is why they are placed in special classrooms and with special teachers). Additionally, for the students protection (privacy issues) disabilities are not disclosed to all school personal unless there is a need to know. We trust that our children are being treated fairly and in a safe and loving environment when they are dropped off at school but often they are dealt with in not so pleasant manners. I so hate that this child has had to deal with so many issues already in our school system. I can only imagine the stress this childs parents are feeling. My heart really hurts for you. I am also sorry that others look at this situation as I have read in other postings. I pray that you never find yourself on the losing end of a battle as this family seems to be. There is so much room for improvement in our school systems and it will take parents stepping forward to make these corrections occur. I do not blame the Principals, the teachers, or the staff. I blame the powers that be that feel that our children can afford to have less but do more. I blame the powers that be that tell our teachers to educated, mentor, test, tutor, motivate, provide intensive remediation, accelerate gifted, and fill out 150 forms the county office ask for while teaching a diverse academic and emotional group of children.

I hope that the state takes a look at this case and realizes that better steps need to be put in place to deal with matters that are effecting our children. I also hope the schools look at staff members that no longer have a desire to teach our children in a manner that is worthy of our trust.

I again want to say how very sorry I am to that poor child and his family. I am glad you are bringing attention to the problems of our schools.

John wrote:

The person who posted named Madison has obviously not ever dealt with someone with Autism. They sometimes have violent fits. Which is more than likely what happened. And, may I ask, why was this child in regular school and not at a school better equipped for him? Also, this is the second incident in two different schools. Kind of points directly at the problem. So, we should sue the school for not being able to handle a special needs child in a regular school? Makes no sense and also part of why this country is failing. I bet the mother feels no personal responsibility for not putting her special needs child in a special needs school. Sounds like a setup.

After reading your posting again I have a question. You stated that you bet the mother feels no personal responsibility. I am curious John why you didn't include the father as well? I would hope if you have children in the public school system that you are as involved with them and their classrooms as you are your opinions of this parent.

Hello mothers.....As a matter of fact I do have experience. 12 years with the Association for Retarded Children. And, it was a little late when I posted, my original. I am sorry, I appeared uneducated, through that post. But, I assure you, I am.
While there may not be special needs schools, IN YOUR IMMEDIATE AREA, there are 12 counties in Florida that do. There are 47 schools total. Some even provide dormitory style living.
Also, you already had prior knowledge that the schools were not equipped to handle your son(due to a prior incident at another school) you maybe should have thought about home school. There are many grants, and loans, available to assist you with, financial needs. And, there are even, people who ARE fully qualified(and trained) to come into your home, and provide education designed and geared toward them and their needs.
You see, Ladies...I have done my homework!!! I possess a, Maters Degree in, Human Psychology. It is not I who should have done my homework.....It is the mother!!!

Also, I did not place the father in the position of any responsibility, due to the fact that, the mother was the only person mentioned in the article.

Response to, North Florida Mom.
Ma'am, I AM also, a product of, the public school system. I also, am a graduate of, Florida State University. I have three children. Two, of whom, also are products of the public school system. The oldest, is attending UF, in the School Of Medicine. My daughter, is currently attending FSU, to obtain her Masters in Business Management. My youngest son is currently in his Senior year of High School.
Ma'am, it sounds to me as if, you have a personal issue with the school. So, you have jumped on, the band-waggon. But, to point at me, and try to make me guilty for sharing my PERSONAL opinion is, wrong of you to do so. If, anyone's feelings are hurt, or, don't like other people's opinions, they should post their lives in a bulletin board, with an open setting for others to respond. I see that it is just easier to blame others for our own lack of better judgment. The fact is, as I stated in on of my previous post, there are alternatives that could have been taken advantage of to protect this child. They were not used. So, I see it as, the MOTHER is the one who initially failed at, taking every necessary step to protect her own child. I knew my opinion would not sit well.....Simply because, we now lack(as a country) any personal responsibility in these type incidents. I assure you, if you trace it back, I mean every step of it back, to the point that a choice was made to put this child in a REGULAR public school, you will see where the err in judgment originally lies. There were resources available that, were not taking advantage of, to provide the best and safest learning environment for her child.

Good day, Ladies

John wrote:

Hello mothers.....As a matter of fact I do have experience. 12 years with the Association for Retarded Children. And, it was a little late when I posted, my original. I am sorry, I appeared uneducated, through that post. But, I assure you, I am.
While there may not be special needs schools, IN YOUR IMMEDIATE AREA, there are 12 counties in Florida that do. There are 47 schools total. Some even provide dormitory style living.
Also, you already had prior knowledge that the schools were not equipped to handle your son(due to a prior incident at another school) you maybe should have thought about home school. There are many grants, and loans, available to assist you with, financial needs. And, there are even, people who ARE fully qualified(and trained) to come into your home, and provide education designed and geared toward them and their needs.
You see, Ladies...I have done my homework!!! I possess a, Maters Degree in, Human Psychology. It is not I who should have done my homework.....It is the mother!!!

John, Thank you for responding. It is wonderful that you use your time to help our children and I really appreciate it. I am also grateful for the information you shared with us about better equipped schools in Florida. How can others find this information? Your information might be what the parents of this child need right now. You could help them in ways you may not know.

I have been in the school system in Suwannee County. They really are good schools and have some wonderfully gifted teachers. However, they aren't truly equipped to handle all exceptionalities. They often have too many children and not enough support staff to handle children with special needs.

I think that you are right too that it tends to be mothers most often that have to make the decisions about their children with little or no help from the husband or father of the child. I know in most situations it is the mother that comes to pick up their sick chidren from school or attends meetings or serves on committees at school.

The article did state that the parents homeschooled their child for several years before enrolling him back in school.

I would only say that it is normally a collection of many issues that cause a catastrophe. Why is it that we must withdraw our children from the public education system rather than fix the problems that lead to such situations. So we should blame the mother for sending her child to school rather than the school for failing the child. Perhaps we shouldn't blame the babysitter for hurting a child in her care when we didn't really check out the babysitter to begin with. I am certain this mother blames herself for many things and her pain was evident in her comments; however, she is upset for valid reasons. Even if, and I am not saying it happened, the child was hostile at the time of the event; the treatment this child received was unwarranted. However, I do not know the true events that occured on that day but I do know a child was hurt and that isn't right.

I see that you are an involved parent and that your children have received your support and are doing wonderfully well. I am happy for you. I encourage you to still volunteer your time to the wonderful causes you have done in the past and I hope that you will also take your skills and education and volunteer your time in our schools where you can be a use for our special children.

Thank you again for helping this family rather than judging them without knowing them personally. You are a real hero.

Also John i'm a college grad myself i have a Special Education Degree - And i'm currently going to school to be a lawyer to repersent these children.Also did it occur to you that even though you say there's other schools he can attend well your wrong.I see you never had to be on myside of the system,when you sit in your little office telling people what to do it's easy but Step on my side of the line you will see a difference and how dare you say i didnt take every step to protect my son you dont know what the hell we have been through,you have no idea how many times i hear sorry we have no funding we cant help,So while your sitting up high looking down on me ask your self who's looking at you.Who are you to say what i did and did not do did you ask me ....no... So before you assume and make a ass out of yourself ask the question before you give out answer's that are lie's..And also for your information JOhn my son is 11 we have been on a waiting list for a school in Tallahassee sicnce he was 6 so you tell me who dropped the ball it sur as hell wasn't me,I have done all that i can possibly do i went to congress,the board of education and what result's do we get none..No one care's about our kid's but us and it's people like you who put the SYSTEM on a pedestal because you don't have to go through what we as parent's of special need children do..Your no hero because you give a few hour's of your time how about making a difference i know i have...Ive held galla's to raise money for books,fundraisers to help buy other children's clothes and i could go on but my son was attacked the funny thing is you don't seem to give a damn about that you never even once said well how's the child ,is he in the hospital is he okay..You get on here preaching about it's my fault and yes his father is very involved but i am the one that's fed up with a system that constantly let's our children down..So i guess it was his fault his first day of school he was left ofn the bus for 5 hours?It's his fault two teachers attacked him on camera and it shows he was only walking down the sidewalk.So what now JOHN DO THE CAMERA'S LIE?How are you going to explain this one away? I'm glad your kid's are normal and doing well because to me it seem's you couldn't handle walking a mile in my shoe's youd crumble because it isn't easy,because if we dont stand up for our children who will?Also John i live in madison school district therefore my son has to attend a school in his district which is madison but since you have soooo much to say how about you help me move to one of these cities your preaching about..Tell me where it is.Because i've been from Orlando to Madison and all in between and i haven't found one yet.also about the homeschool thing read my other post i did homeschool him for a long time and i also volunteer at his school regularly but why should he not get the same education that your kid's get?Or are your children better than mine and he doent deserve to go to school because he is autistic.Just for the record John you don't seem all that knowlegable about the system..Working for it is one thing.And trust me it's totally different when your the one trying to get help,does my child not deserve a education just like your kids or are your kid's better because they are not special need kids...hmm you sound real discriminatory against children with special needs...So John i've jumped through hoops for 10 years trying to get my son in a better place and believe me there is no such thing called a better place and why should i lock my child up in some kind of mental hospital setting ???

John im so happy you give a few hours of your time to the cause that's wonderful ..do you want a medal? I am with disabled children 24 hours a day seven day's a week 365 days a year step in my shoe's i bet you will have a different outlook. I have a child who is 24 hour care and let me tell you now that there is no support in this area there is no one to come to your home to teach your kids i didn't even get that when i was living in the city.And oh yeah while im on that subject let me tell you something else.Theres only one school in the area for children that are totally handicapped and thats Greenwood and guess what.They have no curriculm they don't do any type of work,socialization skills ect.ect.This is why public school's have ESE and they train the teachers in the area's of special needs.And here we call it Persons with Disabilities being called retarded is so demening and embarrassing to those who have disabilities, they changed that a while ago.

Very Concerned Mom wrote:

<quoted text>
John, Thank you for responding. It is wonderful that you use your time to help our children and I really appreciate it. I am also grateful for the information you shared with us about better equipped schools in Florida. How can others find this information? Your information might be what the parents of this child need right now. You could help them in ways you may not know.
I have been in the school system in Suwannee County. They really are good schools and have some wonderfully gifted teachers. However, they aren't truly equipped to handle all exceptionalities. They often have too many children and not enough support staff to handle children with special needs.
I think that you are right too that it tends to be mothers most often that have to make the decisions about their children with little or no help from the husband or father of the child. I know in most situations it is the mother that comes to pick up their sick chidren from school or attends meetings or serves on committees at school.
The article did state that the parents homeschooled their child for several years before enrolling him back in school.
I would only say that it is normally a collection of many issues that cause a catastrophe. Why is it that we must withdraw our children from the public education system rather than fix the problems that lead to such situations. So we should blame the mother for sending her child to school rather than the school for failing the child. Perhaps we shouldn't blame the babysitter for hurting a child in her care when we didn't really check out the babysitter to begin with. I am certain this mother blames herself for many things and her pain was evident in her comments; however, she is upset for valid reasons. Even if, and I am not saying it happened, the child was hostile at the time of the event; the treatment this child received was unwarranted. However, I do not know the true events that occured on that day but I do know a child was hurt and that isn't right.
I see that you are an involved parent and that your children have received your support and are doing wonderfully well. I am happy for you. I encourage you to still volunteer your time to the wonderful causes you have done in the past and I hope that you will also take your skills and education and volunteer your time in our schools where you can be a use for our special children.
Thank you again for helping this family rather than judging them without knowing them personally. You are a real hero.

I don't see how he's a hero he is still judging the mother saying she didnt take every step to protect her child..I work for the school and i know this woman and all of her children ad i can say personally she has done everything in her power for her children as far as i am concerned the teachers are at fault we all saw it happen this child did nothing but walk by there are over 50 witnesses

John wrote:

Hello mothers.....As a matter of fact I do have experience. 12 years with the Association for Retarded Children. And, it was a little late when I posted, my original. I am sorry, I appeared uneducated, through that post. But, I assure you, I am.
While there may not be special needs schools, IN YOUR IMMEDIATE AREA, there are 12 counties in Florida that do. There are 47 schools total. Some even provide dormitory style living.
Also, you already had prior knowledge that the schools were not equipped to handle your son(due to a prior incident at another school) you maybe should have thought about home school. There are many grants, and loans, available to assist you with, financial needs. And, there are even, people who ARE fully qualified(and trained) to come into your home, and provide education designed and geared toward them and their needs.
You see, Ladies...I have done my homework!!! I possess a, Maters Degree in, Human Psychology. It is not I who should have done my homework.....It is the mother!!!

JOhn please tell me how did i know what the school was and wasn't equipped to do? He has been attending this school since 2007 without incident up until 10/08/09 so how was i suppose to know they hired a physco bitch and she would jump on my son?Tell me that? 3 years and hes a honor roll student gets awards never had a problem @ madison central until now.

father in madison wrote:

<quoted text>
I don't see how he's a hero he is still judging the mother saying she didnt take every step to protect her child..I work for the school and i know this woman and all of her children ad i can say personally she has done everything in her power for her children as far as i am concerned the teachers are at fault we all saw it happen this child did nothing but walk by there are over 50 witnesses

Please know that I meant no disrespect. I feel that anyone whom gives of their time to help others is a hero; perhaps not to all but to the organization he devotes his time to. I am completely behind this family and pray that this child receives the love and attention he and the other children so deserve. My heart really hurts for this family. I am grateful that it was captured on video so that there can be no denial of what occured. I am humbled by the struggles this family faces on a daily basis. I am also very pleased that this family has you in their corner, they need all the love and support they can get right now. Thank you.

John wrote:

Hello mothers.....As a matter of fact I do have experience. 12 years with the Association for Retarded Children. And, it was a little late when I posted, my original. I am sorry, I appeared uneducated, through that post. But, I assure you, I am.
While there may not be special needs schools, IN YOUR IMMEDIATE AREA, there are 12 counties in Florida that do. There are 47 schools total. Some even provide dormitory style living.
Also, you already had prior knowledge that the schools were not equipped to handle your son(due to a prior incident at another school) you maybe should have thought about home school. There are many grants, and loans, available to assist you with, financial needs. And, there are even, people who ARE fully qualified(and trained) to come into your home, and provide education designed and geared toward them and their needs.
You see, Ladies...I have done my homework!!! I possess a, Maters Degree in, Human Psychology. It is not I who should have done my homework.....It is the mother!!!

You have a degree in what...??
I fought with the School Board last year, in a different county, but, we are all governed by the same general laws.
ESE is no longer a part of the Public School System. All children UNLESS severely handicapped will be mandated to attend regular classes. I have a grandson that is ADHD/OCD, and Teachers stating that they are 'trained' to deal with a child, with these issues...are like you...stating they have degrees....in ??
It is against the law for a Teacher to demand that a child be medicated to attend school. It is against the law, for a Teacher to determine that a child has a disability, that mandates him,'as different from the class'.
I too have worked closely in DUVAL County Schools, since 1994, and am well aware of what can be done, and not done pertaining to a child., ANY child., in the Public School Setting.
Are you saying, because this child is Autistic, that he cannot attend, regular school?
That because the Mother does not want to send her child to a live in dormitory school, that she is lacking in being a parent??
YOU dear Sir, & other Teachers like You} are the reason children are labeled and mistreated, in schools.
I find it hard to believe you hold a Teaching Certificate to Teach anywhere, and if, you do it needs to be re-called.
I am out of time this am, but, I will re-post after I return, for I am embarking on my trip to WORK,...in a school setting

Ok. I am not, nor have I attacked, anyone. Nor, would I. But, this is exactly the thing we have gotten so far away from, in this country, as possible. Even IF, this was my child, I WOULD BE TO BLAME for not protecting my own child. It is, our responsibility, not that of anyone else. Sure, we allow other people to tend to them, IN TRUST, nothing will happen. BUT, ultimately they are OUR children, and OUR responsibility. Your child has SPECIAL needs. You said it yourself. But, at the mere mention of a SPECIAL school, you are ready to swear at me on a public forum. Do I know the exact circumstances of this case? NO. Not one time, have I even insinuated that, I did. And, ma'am... Unless, your child is more than, 12 years of age, I have been doing it longer than you. Yes, I agree, those 12 years were not as hands on as it would take to raise this child. For that I commend you. I was merely pointing out, the FACT that, there was already one problem in another county school system. One, to the point, you felt it best to remove him from that school. My personal opinion, and why I said it seemed like a setup is......if, one public school was not able to deal with a special needs child, wouldn't you(as the caring parent that you are) check the next school out with a fine tooth comb to be sure they can? That, ma'am is why, I say, you should not be here arguing this for public support. I applaud you for your role in this child's life. It appears he has a mother that cares for him very much. Now, I will ask you this....in a small school district, like the one you speak of, how many special needs children do you think exist in one school? So, you are stressing the point that all of the staff should be able to deal with what? 5 children? Maybe 10? As you say, you have went to school to and earned your degree. Is this really feasible for, what, 50 teachers to have to achieve a higher education, to deal with less than 1% of the entire school population? It makes no sense. You address him as, a special needs child, and raise your fist against him attending anything other than a,"regular" school. You can't have it both ways. You prob will. You will end up suing, and get a bunch of money, for something that could have been avoided in the first place.
I knew when I made my original post, it would not be of, popular opinion. Simply because, we are all so ready to run from, our own personal responsibility of, our own inaction's.

I am, an old man, now. I am no longer able to take care of these children. For twenty years, my wife and I, fostered children. We had, in our home, crack-babies, AIDS babies, Children with Downs Syndrome, Multiple sclerosis, cancer of many types, and yes....even Autistic children. So, if anyone here has a right to feel attacked, it may be me. I was not aware that, I would have to, give my life's work to please your anger. Which ma'am, is obviously, at yourself. But, let us make the tax payers pay for it, right? I am sure if you will google, schools in Florida for children with special needs, you will find that my information is accurate. And, may I remind you that, extreme cases of Autism is, by far, some of the hardest to deal with. It is the most confusing diseases known. I understand, you would like for your child to be in a more, social setting. And, you asked the question, if, your child should be given the right to the same education as, my own. You know, as well as I do ma'am, that is a double edged sword you are wielding. So, my question in response to you is.....Is your child capable of understanding and comprehending the same education as my own? We all know the answer to that question. And, we also know from that question alone that, this should not even be an issue. It is unfair to ask anyone involved to, give him the same opportunities as, everyone else's child...Including your son. Never mind, the entire school system. But, one mother with, one child, supersedes the basic necessities of the other child of the school, and the entire staff.
I, in NO WAY, have condoned the behavior of the teachers. Nor, have I, condemned them. I simply said, you should have been more responsible with a child that needs "special" needs. So, before you ask does he deserve it, you should tell us, Is he capable of it? Because, if he attends school and comprehends very little, and learns very little, is it truly a benefit greater than a school that is equipped for him where he can learn and comprehend much more?

Response to: Crossintheline.

You have taken this to places I never mentioned. I have never spoke of medicating a child. So, stop. Let's say, for a moment, this child did regularly attend the same classes as all the other children his age. I would venture to say, we would still be here discussing this....For discrimination of the ladies special needs child. And, for not allowing t=him to attend classes for, children like him. What you are referring to ma'am, ADHD/OCD is far less complex than Autism. I am ashamed that, you joined this conversation, belittled me, and had the audacity to compare the two. The disease this child has is, far more complex than, anything you have mentioned. It is absurd that, you fell you can, come on here, minimize my educational, and physical, background when you obviously have no idea what it is you are referring to. If, this child was put in regular classes, as you say he should(and not be recognized for his needs) it would be a complete waste of time to even have him there. Could you imagine how far behind he would fall? Ma'am, there is a world of information, at your fingertips. I would recommend you compare the differences of the diseases. I fully agree this child deserves the very best education he can get....I do NOT, however, believe the public school system is, the place for him to receive it. There are, lots of places that are making, WONDERFUL progress with these types of students. There are, people who are specialized in this type of education that, could help this child beyond the scope of anything near what public school is capable of. I do not know the names of the schools off the top of my head. There is one in Gainesville and one in Tallahassee, if I am not mistaken. Good day to you.

A note to the mother. Ma'am. I know, some of the things I have said, you have taken as a personal attack toward you. But, I assure you, they are not. I just believe that, there are far better ways for your son to receive everything you feel, he deserves. I do not believe, public is the answer for a child with, Autism. I have seen, some unbelievable strides made, in my lifetime. I know there are people out there who are better trained, and equipped to give him the very best education he can get. It is their job. Specifically. These teachers that, she speaks of, that are "trained" to deal with ADHD/OCD and other mind forms of mental illnesses, at most, take a 120 hour course. I would be willing,. to bet, it is far less.
As far as, what happened, I cannot speak of. If, the teacher committed, a gross misconduct, or violated any laws, or even was morally wrong....It is her who should be dealt with, severely. Maybe, she should have to, find another career path. It would then be obvious that, this is not the one, for her. I would go so far as, IF ANY administrator is covering for, a teacher's gross misconduct, they too should be escorted out the door by police. And, neither should, be allowed, to educate children again. Now, if this was the type of civil resolution you were after, I would be behind that action 100%. But, it is not. You are seeking monetary damages. There are thousands of regular children who are traumatized during their childhood by one thing or the other....Why is it that some people always want to put a price tag on it? I would be more worried about, filing a civil action to, remove these educators so it would never be allowed to happen again. But, that isn't the issue, is it? Morally, that is the proper action, to be taken. And, you know it. But,, you are going to go after the taxpayers money, instead of, helping to remove these educators who caused harm......Now, where are YOUR morals? Sure, doesn't sound like anything that the money will solve is for any children. You could save it from happening to someone else...But, you are not. You want money. I pray, you take the money your are given in the settlement, and find this young man the best education that money will buy. But, I WILL BET THIS....When you get the money, you will start teaching him at home, again. Won't ya, ma'am?