A sickening statistic: children with autism and special needs are more likely to be abused; about 7 times more likely in fact. An even more sickening fact: numerous children are abused but, due to various reasons, there are no charges filed or the abuser is not successfully prosecuted.
The most common challengepursuing these issues seems to be whether or not what ‘took place’ was really abuse – what do you think? Is pinching, pushing or pulling abusive? Screaming, yelling, in-your-face, verbal threats – are these abusive acts?
Chances are you believe the above acts are abusive when conducted by an adult and directed at a child . However, despite our horror, cases involving verbal abuse and ‘small’ acts of physicality are difficult, if not near impossible to prosecute as ‘child abuse’ (the actual charges/laws can be quite varied and based upon individual circumstances, so for our purposes I’m simply using the term ‘child abuse’ to encompass any act that harms a child).
The outrage that surfaces when I think of how limited many of our children are, by way of having the ability to come home and tell us in great detail what happened to them, is beyond description.
I’m not a big fan of using fear to motivate, but I feel compelled to say: we, as mothers, should be scared.
But not stuck.
Instead (you probably know where I’m going with thisif you’ve read my past posts), I think we need to immediately do somethingto lower the bar of what’s acceptable abuse. This is only 1/2 the equation however, because ‘burden of proof’ means the prosecution has to show enough evidence that what they are alleging not only took place, but breaks the law and warrants punishment.
So, the other 1/2 of the equation is working to ensure our children’s disabilities are somehow compensated for in a manner acceptable to the court (maybe the courts have to change a bit too …).
This is easier said then done and not something one person can do alone. Unfortunately, most people do not become involved until their child or someone they love is abused.
Don’t be one of them.
You can make a difference by immediately documenting your child’s day, staying in ridiculously close contact to those working with your child and continually helping your child communicate what ‘happened’ to them that day. Even doing this guarantees very little; a fact I know from personal experience x3.
Then call your local law enforcement department and provide them information on your child, and further advocate their professionals receive training specific to children with autism. Then call back – friendly reminder. 
Share this information with other parents you know, web-sites, school groups and community organizations are great venues to collaborate. Write one letter that everyone can sign and mail, or an email people can forward… there’s many ways to get the information out.
There’s so many things to do everyday that I understand why many people who want to genuinely contribute and change things often do not. In most situations, I have no problem with that, BUT, on this one, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to become involved, educated and empowered by supportive peoplebefore you find yourself in the midst of a situation involving child abuse, law enforcement or the court system.
I’ll make it as easy as I can and offer as much support to you as possible. If you want to contact your law enforcement, courts, advocates, and alike, contact me and I’ll help you one to one.
As always, I’m interested in your thoughts: What makes an act abusive? Would you want someone who verbally assaulted your child arrested and prosecuted?
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