a 6-year-old autistic boy was read his rights and charged with Assault

Added: (Sat Mar 03 2007)

Pressbox (Press Release) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Evelyn Burgo: (808) 328-7320

Patricia Genders: (808) 328-2426 OR (808) 640-7574



6-Year-Old Autistic Boy Charged with Assault II



WHO: Evelyn Burgo



WHAT: Disabled child charged with Assault II for jumping on teacher



WHEN: February 26, 2007



WHERE: Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii



WHY: Child attacked special education teacher after repeated warnings from mother of his violent nature



On Monday, February 26, a 6-year-old autistic boy was read his rights and charged with Assault II for jumping on his special education teacher. This arrest was made when he and his mother went to pick up some files at the Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Police Department.



This same special education teacher took out a Temporary Restraining Order against this student and his mother.



Ho'okena School, (86-4355 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook-Kona, 96704) as well as the teacher and the District Superintendent are well aware of this child's violent outbursts. In the past, he was moved out of a summer school class because he attacked other students. Prior to jumping on his teacher, he was removed from his current classroom because the staff was worried he would hurt himself or others, and kept him in time- out from 10:55 a.m. until his mother picked him up at 2:00 p.m. The school has been asked repeatedly to at the very least provide a one-on-one aide that is trained in the art of dealing with autistic children, or move him to a school for autistic children.



Even with all of this, the school contends they can handle him. All the testing says that this child is at a pre-K level. But he should be at a first grade level.



His mother, Evelyn Burgo, says: "I am at a loss as to what to do. I feel my son needs help, not punishment, and he needs it now, as the window of opportunity to help him is running out.



Many people have told me that I need take this to the media to finally get the help we need, and that is what I hope to do. I have done everything the school has asked and tried to work with them, to no avail. Now, here I am with a disabled 6-year-old with Assault II charges against him.



We are filing for a Fair Hearing. But I understand this will take months and my child is not being educated nor is the school providing any help with his education, even though they know neither he nor I are able to go on school grounds because of the temporary restraining order."


everything I have said here I can back up with files