A recent video has emerged depicting a concerning incident involving a school bus aide striking a young girl with autism. Captured in Illinois, the footage is unsettling and raises serious questions about the safety of children in care. It features six-year-old Mia Thompson being struck in the face twice by an unidentified aide as she traveled to school, according to reports from ABC 7.
Outrage from Mia’s Family
Mia’s father, David Thompson, expressed his outrage, stating, “It makes my blood boil. I can’t believe she had to endure such treatment.” As a nonverbal child, Mia struggles to communicate what happened, leaving her parents heartbroken and frustrated. “She can’t just come and say, ‘Dad, this lady hit me, not just once, but twice,’” David explained.
Emotional Impact on the Family
This incident has understandably left the family feeling distressed. Mia’s mother, Sarah, shared her emotional response, saying, “As a mom, seeing that is just disgusting. It makes me want to cry.” She noted that Mia exhibited unusual behavior in the days following the incident, indicating the lasting impact it had on her.
School District’s Response
The superintendent of Mia’s school district reached out to her parents after reviewing the video, which was found during an internal investigation. The aide involved is an employee of Lincoln Way Special Education District 843. Executive Director Sarah Rexroad confirmed that there is an ongoing investigation regarding the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are reviewing the footage and conducting interviews, but no charges have been filed yet. The Thompsons hope that this situation will lead to better training and protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future, emphasizing that children like Mia need space and support during difficult moments.
Advocacy for Children with Disabilities
Despite the distressing nature of the event, Mia’s parents have shown incredible strength in focusing on advocacy for children with disabilities. They are determined to ensure that no other child faces such an ordeal. For more insights on navigating parenthood and fertility options, check out this informative resource on intrauterine insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, the video of a school bus aide hitting a young girl with autism has raised significant concerns about child safety in educational settings. Mia Thompson’s family is advocating for better training and support for individuals working with children with disabilities, aiming to prevent future incidents.