Mother of Autistic Child Arrested for Failure to Comply with School Board
An Incident on the School Bus
Loiacono's son is seven years old and has been diagnosed with autism. Last May, while attending public school regularly, the boy was allegedly verbally abused and "shaken" by a school bus driver and aide. Loiacono reported to the school board that her son had come home with bruises on his arms and lower face. As a result of the incident her son developed post traumatic stress disorder, a condition that according to his physician would make a normal, full time return to school unlikely in the near term. In fact, pushing the reintroduction to school too fast could cause more harm. The boy's doctor recommended home schooling as a temporary solution for continuing academic progress until such time when he could be reintroduced to public schools. Loiacono's request for home school instruction apparently fell on deaf ears because the school board sent a letter the day after receiving her home school request notifying her she was in violation of state truancy laws and could be the subject of further action by the county court system.
Progress Reports
According to three self-assessments submitted by Loiacono to the school board her son is making progress with reading and writing. Her doctor's recommendation is for a gradual reintroduction to school, but that plan has been ignored by local school officials. In fact, in an April letter from the school board they said the boy's doctor should, "respect the educational judgment of the educators of the school system." What a crock! What about the educators of the school system respecting the medical advice of the boy's doctor?
Education versus Medicine, Parenting
Basically, what we have here is a case of a government school system telling a parent what's best for their autistic child, against the advice of the parent and their physician. It would seem the parent has her son's best interest at heart as the only thing her and the school board agree on is that her son should be in school. It is the method of reintroduction to the school that is a sticking point. I am all for truancy laws to prevent lazy parents from letting their kids skip out on their education. However, this case seems to be more about the school board's belief that their opinion regarding a student's welfare is superior to that of a mother and doctor.
Published by Tyler Foster
I am a 30 year old husband and father of two working in software development for money, but writing for fulfillment. View profile
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14 Comments
Post a CommentThis story is full of false information. Mrs. Loiacono was offered the opportunity to "gradually" reintroduce her child to school. This is in part of the reason many schools don't trust what parents say.
I am in a similar situation with an SEVERELY AUTISTIC CHILD. She is non verbal. The school calls to say she is agressive and they called the Wichita Falls TEXAS School Police on this disabled child. I was told by the Officer he would take her to the state hospital in the back seat of a patrol car and have her committed. I have done everything as a responsible parent to take care of my 16 year old daughter without taking the easy way out an putting her in a state hospital. I feel there is no help for us out there. If she misses school they say she is truant. If she goes to school they don't want to deal with her. What I am to do??? PLEASE HELP ME HELP MY NON VERBAL autistic daughter.
This is really messed up!!
This was a clear violation of Federal mandates under IDEA 2004, 504 and ADA, not to mention harassment and abuse of power. Georgia people must wake up because this will happen to anyone-- it has happened to general ed and special ed parents. Its time to take this to the capitol, our legislators, the governor the attorney general, the office of civil rights, the office of inspector general of the u.s. dept of education. ITs time to vote the houston school board out and this mom has the right to sue with the other other parents that have been wrongly arrested in that district. May i suggest a high profile atty from washington dc? No attorney has yet come forward to take this case-- they are chicken too.
Together people can change the way education is done in Georgia-- its no wonder we are 40-something in rank..This is a symptom of a big problem
Wow, incredible story. I hope the mother is able to not only regain her rights to school her child how she sees fit, but is able to sue the school system for violating those rights.
I don't even know where to begin with this injustice. . .
Wow, this is one shocking article! Homeschooling is legal in every state of America, so I'm amazed this case has gone as far as it has.
This is outrageous. Sounds like the school board is made up of bullies and they are trying to prove a point. Good job!
this is infuriating. she needs to look for a company like Pacific Justice to help her fight this.
This is outrageous to think the school board and others 'in authority' can get away with this!!! I for sure would follow the home-school option and then press charges against the school board and all others involved in this harassment!