Bronx mother demands investigation after 6-year-old returns from therapy with bruises
Medical records provided to News 12 show staff documented bruising to his face and left upper arm and noted concerns about possible child abuse.
More Stories
A Bronx mother is demanding answers after she says her 6-year-old son with autism returned from an occupational therapy session with bruises on his face and arm. Now, she is calling for a full investigation into what happened.
The mother says she dropped her son off for what was supposed to be a routine occupational therapy session on March 28 at the SEED Saturday program in Morrisania. She says that when the 6-year-old was returned to her, she immediately noticed injuries.
According to the mother, her son had visible bruising on his face and arm at the end of the session.
“’Mom, they hit me like that… they slapped me and kicked me… and my spine hurts a lot,’” she recalled him saying.
Concerned for his well-being, she took her son to the hospital.
Medical records provided to News 12 show staff documented bruising to his face and left upper arm and noted concerns about possible child abuse.
“My son has changed,” she said, describing him as now fearful and anxious.
A Department of Education report obtained by News 12 offers a different account.
According to the report, the boy became upset during his occupational therapy session and repeatedly threw himself to the floor. The report suggests the injuries may have occurred during that incident.
The boy’s mom says she does not believe that explanation tells the full story and is continuing to push for answers.
“I want justice for my son,” she said.
In a statement to News 12, the DOE said "NYC Public Schools remain committed to providing safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for all students, including those with significant sensory processing, communication, and self-regulation needs. Our SEED program staff is trained to implement individualized de-escalation strategies, with sessions staffed by multiple therapists and supervisors. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment and promote the well-being and success of every student in our care."
The mother says she will continue fighting for a full investigation into what happened that day.
