Gilbert couple requests new restraint policy for autistic children

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Gilbert couple requests new restraint policy for autistic children

by Gersema - May. 14, 2009 03:18 PM

The Arizona Republic

A Gilbert couple whose mildly autistic 7-year-old son was held down and sat on

by school staff members twice in the past year is begging the administration and

governing board to start notifying parents promptly when their children have

been restrained.

His parents, Kim and Eacott told the board Tuesday that Sonoma Ranch

Elementary School officials were reluctant to talk about the incident last year,

and they've been learning details of what happened to their son in

snippets through conversations and e-mails over several months.

Officials initially denied any such incident had occurred, the Eacotts said.

Kim Eacott said she learned had had been restrained on other occasions

when she reviewed his file.

Eacott said that in one incident, a staff member sat on because

his " letter board was too messy. "

Autism is a spectrum disorder which ranges in severity, and affects 1 out of

every 150 children, primarily boys. A broad set of characteristics are

associated with the disorder; two of the most recognized are difficulty

socializing and trouble with self expression.

Children with autism also tend to need a strict routine and can become

extraordinarily upset.

Parents and teachers with specialized training learn how to de-escalate the

situation and re-focus the child, but not everyone undergoes such training.

Kim Eacott said she recognizes that education is key to handling meltdowns, but

believes the district, while faced with a budget crisis and little funding for

training, could at least improve communication by drafting a new policy that

requires parental notification.

" We feel that we have a basic and fundamental right to know when this occurs, "

she said.

Superintendent Dave said he is asking his staff to work on crafting a

policy and board member Helen Hollands said that's something the board is

willing to weigh.

In the past few years, about a dozen families have filed complaints alleging

their special needs children have been subjected to physical and unnecessary

restraint or their school has failed to ensure their children meet the goals

outlined in their Individual Education Plan.