Video shows 5-Year-Old Autistic Child Getting Roughed Up By Teaching Assistant
A 5-year-old autistic child was seen on video getting snatched up by a Florida teacher assistant. John Fishley and his wife Finola Long have two 5-year-old twins Amani and Amari, who have autism according to CBS Miami. Both children are nonverbal, and Amani needs special attention, according to his father.
“He has tantrums, he self harms and throws himself on the ground,” Fishley said.
In a video provided by a therapist, who was in their son’s pre-K special needs classroom at Morrow Elementary in North Lauderdale a few weeks ago shocked both parents. The video captures a teacher’s assistant grabbing Amani and pulling him to a chair. The teacher’s assistant repeatedly attempted to force him to sit down. Fishley and his wife think the teachers actions were child abuse.
“It was quite horrible to see him being treated worse than an animal,” Fishley said.
Fishley says after seeing the video they went to the Broward Sheriff’s Office to file a report. The parents also reached out the school’s principal.
“We found out Wednesday and the principal said she would launch an investigation on Friday,” Fishley said.
However, Fishley think sthe principal was informed about the incident not long after it took place on May 10.
Broward School District. Spokesman John Sullivan sent a statement to the news station:
“Priority is to provide a safe learning environment for all students. The district will immediately look into the video and take any Necessary actions.”