Ten-year-old boy with autism arrested at school
Even though this boy clearly doesn't like to be touched, the cops did not listen. Do you think this arrest was too harsh?
This footage is unsettling on many levels.
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According to Times Live, a video has been doing the rounds that was shot by a mother showing her 10-year-old autistic child being arrested at his school. In October last year, he had an outburst and attacked a school assistant because he didn't feel comfortable in their presence.
John Haygood, the 10-year-old child, was expelled from school because of his actions. When he went back to school for a state test, someone recognised him and called for his arrest.
First of all, this little boy obviously has challenges around expressing himself. If he felt like he was in a space where he was understood and seen, it's not likely that he would lash out and kick the school's assistant.
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I'm sorry, regardless of what this little guy did, it does not warrant a public display like this. In the clip, you can hear him saying he doesn't like being touched. Is this really necessary? Surely, given the circumstances and his tender age, they could have fetched him and walked him to the car. They should not have manhandled him like this. Who arrests a child?
It's upsetting to see him so stressed out, all while his mom films it. A strange thing to do when your child is in distress, but maybe her thought was to film the evidence? Needless to say that if this was my child, I would far rather comfort him and fend off the authorities.
Warning: Some may find this video upsetting to watch.