I heard a "rumor" that my autistic child was dragged down the hallway by her wrist. The school did not call?

Question

I heard a "rumor" that my autistic child was dragged down the hallway by her wrist. The school did not call?

Answer 1

Reguardless of whether it is a rumor or not also depends on where you heard it from.  I would definately call the school and meet with everyone (principal, school baord member, and the teacher who apparently harmed your child).  Make sure you ask what their policy is on disciplining students and then say that you had heard that someone dragged your child down the hallway by their wrists.  If this was true, which I hope it isnt, file every complaint against the school you can imagine.  Also contact the (state you live in) board of education and ask them what the next step is in order to make this known that someone abused your child.  I hope everything works out and I hope that is was only just a rumor.  Good luck.

Answer 2

Sadly it is probably true and only the first of a string of battles you will have to fight. You will have to remind them of their "no tolerance" policy and get to know your rights and how to assure your child's safety. Read the Parent handbook provided by the school (you go it in the first day packet and had to sign that you received it) it will outline your rights and what you can do to improve your child's safety. Public schools are too busy to pay attention so you have too. Get together with other parents and get involved. If parents stick together the schools will have to pay better attention. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Of course they are not going to admit to doing anything wrong. Go to the principal right away.

Answer 4

a "rumor" needs to be verified.  meet with the teacher and principal.

Answer 5

You can have the school conduct an investigation of staff. Review videos and interview staff members. If it is substantiated, you can file lawsuit, which I would do. That is physical abuse. The ONLY way a staff member can use physical force is if it is written into the IEP or behavior plan. And, even then, there are guidelines and procedures to follow... And, I guarantee that dragging someone is not one of them.

And, if it did happen, and no one documented it or called you, then that is grounds for having some people fired. You should follow up immediately. Also, put it in writing, and forward it to the apporpriate people in the district.

Usually, those rumors turn out to be true...

Answer 6

Sounds like your child is high functioning, or you wouldn't be surprised.  Now I don't suggest dragging someone for a no good reason is OK, but you have to trust (and verify) the teacher taking care of your child only wants what is best for your child's education.  

You are going to have a long relationship with the school, and you should fight hard to get all that's needed to help your child, but understand that it takes control to make that happen.

Go in with the right attitude assuming they didn't uncontrollably drag your child, ask if it's true, and if so what was the reason.  If it was for a safety reason like a tantrum and being removed from the room, or a consequence that was refused (Ex. Go to the Principle's office), I would allow it.  But If you don't find the reason or the response acceptable, work with  the school to agree on the future response and make it a written part of the IEP.

Answer 7

I would go to school and demand to know IF that happened. Rumors aren't always true and can be exagerated too. I would want the truth because if this happened and the school didn't report it I would go off on them and probably sue them. No child deserves to be done this way. I would find out for sure if it happened and if it did I would show them a good reason why they should notify the parents from now on

Answer 8

The word that caught my eye was RUMOR.

you need to get some facts.

I deal with many levels of autistic children at school.

when we are in transition from one area to another, or even maybe a fire drill, we often have to coach our autistic children to move faster.

by the wrist or hand is not a bad thing.

If your child was being pulled forcefully you have a case.

we are trained to lead our children in non forcefully ways.

get more info

Answer 9

that is terrible. I would go down to the school and get to the bottom of it. Who did you hear the "rumor" from? Someone credible?