[Fwd: [Adventures in Autism] Calling All Florida Autism Parents]

[Guest guest]

Your

AG has taken note of what happened to Barton and wants to hear

your stories of mistreatment in Florida schools. Chances are you have a

few. Give him a call.

After PSL autistic boy's case, Attorney General weighing more

complaints from parents

TALLAHASSEE — Stemming from its investigation into a Port St. Lucie

autistic boy voted out of kindergarten, the state Office of the

Attorney General is looking at how children with autism are treated in

Florida schools.

"We want to understand this issue on a more global scale," said Sandi

Copes, press secretary for the Office of the Attorney General in

Tallahassee. "To see if there is an underlying problem."

Since the office's initial investigation into the case of 5-year-old

Barton, several people with autistic children have come forward

with their own complaints, Copes said.

Parents are expressing frustration their complaints haven't been heard,

so the Attorney General's office wants to talk with them to see if

there's any way to help, she said. Those discussions could take place

in the coming weeks, she said.

The investigation began after told his mother, Barton, he

was voted out of his kindergarten class by his fellow students.

Morningside Elementary teacher Portillo told police she wanted

to hear from his peers how his behavior affected others. She then

took a poll as to whether should be allowed to return to the

classroom, according to reports.

lost the vote, 14 to 2.

At the time, he was in the process of being tested for Asperger

Syndrome, a type of high-functioning autism. He since has been

diagnosed with the disorder, Barton said.

The St. Lucie County School District continues to investigate the

incident.

When the Attorney General's office investigated 's situation,

Barton mentioned other parents who had contacted her regarding the

treatment of their autistic children, Copes said.

Barton said she is glad parents finally have someone paying attention

to them.

"Finally, things are getting done," she said. "There is some justice in

it."

It's no longer just about , she said.

"There are other children out there that have been waiting (for help) a

very long time," she said. "No one has been listening forever."

The Attorney General's office is trying to compile a list of

participants to meet and talk about their issues, Copes said. The

investigation is statewide and not concentrating on one area in

particular, she said.

Meanwhile, Barton said parents are trying to mobilize. She said now is

the time for parents with complaints to come forward.

The Office of the Attorney General is interested in talking with

parents of children with autism who have concerns about their child's

treatment in schools. Parents with concerns can call the citizen

services hotline at .

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Posted By Ginger to Adventures

in Autism at 7/12/2008 01:34:00 AM