I don’t think it was ever proven that this particular child had special needs qualifications. I also know for a fact, that many of the lower grade classrooms in the newer schools, have bathrooms within the classroom. There were two different stories, originating from the family in these interviews-one, it “allegedly” happened in the classroom, first off, by another child. Then, changed story to “allegedly” happen in the bathroom. I do not believe a teacher would give, what 3 children a hall pass for the bathroom at the same time.

There is something not right with this story. I have always questioned the authenticity of it, and since no charges were ever filed, and only a one sided follow up was done, that makes me even more certain this was a ploy to retain an aide, that the child may not have qualified for, and to possibly retain a government check for receiving those services. JMO

PS-Allentown is a wonderful school with excellent staff and leadership.

I also work in the schools with special needs children. We never allow one of our special needs kids to go to the bathroom or anywhere without an adult. They don’t have to have an aide hold their hand but there is a teacher with them at lunch, PE etc to watch out for them in case an incident like this arises.

I agree that there can be problems, I am not denying that there are bullies, etc in the school system. I just think with this particular “case,” the FACTS are not being presented, just a one sided account from a parent mad about not having an aide. I have yet to see where the school or any other children were in the wrong. The investigation was of an “incident” at the school, and looking back at the first report the principal stated she did not know of these allegations, and appeared in total shock at what this family is claiming. Had she known, I do believe it would have already been resolved. But the family chose to make it a media event because they were upset their child did not have an aide, that he did not qualify for, under FEDERAL guidelines. We don’t know if what the so called “molestation” was, it may have been something, or then again, totally NOTHING but someone twisting the story.

You are all correct, However,  documentation, video of these problems that occur on playgrounds, buses, assemblies, field trips, etc. will be needed to get changes within the system.  With out it the schools will continue to hide and ignore what happens, The news stations will not get involved, the police can’t do anything, organizations have their reason’s.
It boils down to libility, loss of public $, loss of donation’s, bad publicity,  don’t want to get involved, it’s not happening in my family, and excuses you can come up with. We have to stop being juvenile in our caring, and be their for each other. Remember when you were kids and most everyone watched out for what you did and where you were and tried to protect you and your friends.

Since your child was in the same classroom, and you are also a teacher, can you shed any light on whether the child actually “needed” an aide as the family claims? I have been around other children with autism, and all are perfectly capable of going to the restroom without hand-holding.

alexsmom322,

I think everyone would like the facts, and not just a one sided account. To date, no one has re-interviewed the principal or school system, although the report said they did try to contact the system, and no charges or updates on the police investigation have occurred. I personally feel that while an “incident” may have taken place, it was NOT as is being alleged here. I think, as I have said before, that they are more concerned that the child did not have an aide, and are lashing out at the system.

I by no means, think we live in a perfect world.  I do agree Allentown is one of the best schools in the system. I have NO doubt in MY mind, had the principal been aware of the reported allegations, it would have been a non-media event to begin with, because she would have handled it. But alas, the family wanted to make a public event, instead of letting questions and an investigation be done through the school first. I feel sorry for the child, to be humiliated even further.

My child attends Allentown, and was actually in the same classroom with the Merrell child. I understand the parent’s frustration over the way his son was treated, but this is not something that is a random act. I know this type of thing happens in the schools all the time because I am also a teacher (not at this school). I still feel that even with this event that Allentown is a lot safer than many other schools in the Mobile area and that is something to be thankful for. By the way, Autism is not really a mental disorder, it is a communication disorder with a variety of causal factors. I am sure the boy may be very bright but has some difficulties with communication, socialization and possibly is unable to adequately communicate problems to others that he needs to because of the disorder. I think we need to stick to the facts and make sure that the schools are safe as possible, but also that the parents of these boys take some responsibility for building their moral character.

Well said, nuff said. Unfortunately, I don’t think we will ever get FACTS, so unless facts are presented, my opinion is this is pure FICTION, based on exactly what you said, a temper tantrum.lol

Unless there are FACTS to report and not a re-hash of unproven allegations, don’t waste anymore time on “updates”.  Facts, folks, not temper tantrums because the daddy didn’t get what he wanted.  The child is a victim, but it seems to me that he is more of a victim of his family than of the school.

The headline was made, whether it was true or not. That most people will read it the way they want to. Actually everyone I have spoken to believes as I do, that these allegations are false, or at best skewed to one perspective. They see the story beneath the story…ie, what I have said in speculation about the aide, etc. The people I have talked to KNOW that Alllentown is a great school, and this is a wonderful community. They know these allegations are just that “allegations and claims” intended to make the school/community look bad because they are mad about their child who tested out of special ed, not having an aide.

Perhaps if there ever is anymore “investigation” we will hear an actual interview, with questions asked, and not just the same rhetoric from a disgruntled person. The actual “claims” have yet to be addressed.

PS-I do not confuse autism with mental retardation. I have worked in special needs settings.