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Parents say teacher struck 3-year-old with autism
A school district has launched an investigation after two parents say a teacher hit their three-year-old daughter with autism. They say it happened Wednesday.
SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - Two South Fulton parents are outraged after the school told them their daughter was allegedly hit by a teacher. They say their daughter is just 3 years old and is in a special education Pre-K program at Cliftondale Elementary School.
"I wouldn't want any other family to go through this. This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, that's what they say, and this has been horrific," Mrs. Miller, the girl's mother, said.
South Fulton parents Mr. and Mrs. Miller, who asked FOX 5 not to use their first names or show their faces, say they saw bruises on their 3-year-old daughter's back on Wednesday.
"Fifteen minutes later, the school called and confirmed she had been struck by a male teacher," Mrs. Miller said.
"When we looked at the bruises, we were horrified. My husband could immediately tell that it looked like a handprint," she added.
They say that the teacher taught her daughter for about four months. The Fulton County School District confirms the teacher, who we are not naming because no criminal charges have been filed, is on administrative leave while an investigation is underway.
The Millers say while there is an active investigation, it was important for them to speak out to be a voice for their daughter.
"For my daughter, specifically being autistic, having an expressive and receptive speech disorder, she cannot speak for herself she cannot advocate for herself," Mrs. Miller said.
The Millers say while their daughter is healing, they have noticed changes in her in the last few days.
"I have seen her be more aggressive. I have seen her maybe lash out physically," Mrs. Miller said.
"We don't know the history of this teacher and what's really been happening to our daughter in this classroom. She can't articulate that I'm having these thoughts, I'm having these flashbacks or these memories. We can only go by her actions," she added.
The family has a case open with the Fulton County Schools Police Department.
The Source: This story is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Kim Leoffler.