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Father’s Fight For His Autistic Son

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By Kimberly Curth Weekend Anchor / Reporter

M60o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr Father’s Fight For His Autistic Son

Published: Tue, April 01, 2008 - 6:17 pm

Kimberly Curth

We have new information about allegations of sex abuse at a Mobile County elementary school. A Semmes father claims his 7-year-old autistic son was molested by two other boys in a bathroom at Allentown Elementary School last Thursday. But, Paul Merrell claims it could have been prevented if his son would have been provided with an aide. We wanted to know why that request was not granted. But, because of Federal privacy laws, Mobile County Public School System spokesperson, Nancy Pierce, says she cannot talk about an individual case, "we aren't allowed to say a lot because we're trying to protect the child and so it's federal law that we can't give out information," said Pierce. But Pierce did tell us, to qualify for an aide a child has to be enrolled in special education and have an individualized education plan. She says not all special ed students will be given an aide. It's determined on a case by case basis. Merrell says he enrolled his son at Allentown in January as a special ed student and he says his son was given an I.E.P. But when tests showed his son's I.Q. is 120 plus, Merrell was told his son no longer qualified for special education. Despite the high I.Q., Merrell maintains his son still needs an aide because of his autism, " to look at him he looks fine and he, you know, he just, he needs his help in certain areas. I don't think anybody should stand over him 24 hours a day but I think that there are certain things that we pointed out to them that he needed help in and one of them was going to the bathroom, you know, we specifically said going to the bathroom to help him. That, it wouldn't have happened cause somebody would have been doing, you know, what we wanted all along," said Merrell.

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There will be a follow up very soon!!! Just to clear that up for you guys. Although you will come to find the truth was right in front of you the whole time. And all of the people that has been calling Mr. Merrell a liar will EAT their words!!!!!!!

Posted by speakingout on 04/10/08 - 4:55 pm • Report Abuse

you are basically right!!!

Posted by lbblackmon on 04/10/08 - 4:24 pm • Report Abuse

I do believe wanting an aide is part of this story, but I think there is more to it than that. As I previously posted,lbblackmon, for some people-an aide with a special ed diagnosis equals a SSI check. I know there are people who have disabilities, who do get an aide, but don’t get a government check. I have friends who fall in that category, and BELIEVE me, they could use the extra money as much as the next person. But by federal guidelines, they make too much money. I truly hope these allegations are false, as I feel they are. But it is VERY concerning to me, that if they prove to be false, why someone would essentially use a child in this way. Perhaps if I am correct, that needs to be investigated too.

Posted by rmseek1234 on 04/10/08 - 3:13 pm • Report Abuse

So, I wonder if my speculations and opinions are going to prove to be truth? Will be interesting to find out the truth, if we ever can. Not to be pessimistic, but I have a feeling that if if my speculations are true, we will never know.

Posted by rmseek1234 on 04/10/08 - 11:40 am • Report Abuse

i justed talked to a friend with the school board

Posted by lbblackmon on 04/09/08 - 3:58 pm • Report Abuse

BTW-what changed your mind? Just curious.

Posted by rmseek1234 on 04/09/08 - 3:55 pm • Report Abuse

I wish we knew the answer to that and so many more questions. Someone posted on the first story thread that it was in the classroom at dismissal. I have TONS of questions (as I guess everyone can tell-lol). There is just too much that doesn’t add up for me. I really want to see what the family has to say now, hear from the principal/detectives as to the investigation and what if anything was found out , what if any actions are being taken. I can see this becoming a regular soap opera......as the story continues....if it ever does, that is.

Posted by rmseek1234 on 04/09/08 - 3:54 pm • Report Abuse

was it in the classroom or bathroom is my number one question

Posted by lbblackmon on 04/09/08 - 3:37 pm • Report Abuse

to look at him he looks fine and he, you know, he just, he needs his help in certain areas. I don’t think anybody should stand over him 24 hours a day but I think that there are certain things that we pointed out to them that he needed help in and one of them was going to the bathroom, you know, we specifically said going to the bathroom to help him. That, it wouldn’t have happened cause somebody would have been doing, you know, what we wanted all along,” said Merrell

i would have to call bull-$h1+

Posted by lbblackmon on 04/09/08 - 3:36 pm • Report Abuse

ME TOO!!! and believe me we will never hear about them bacause there is no truth to this story… if there was WKRG would have reported something or answered your questions rmseek1234

Posted by lbblackmon on 04/09/08 - 3:34 pm • Report Abuse