A mom coping with the challenges of dealing with a child with autism contacted 9-1-1 to report the child was out of control and fighting with relatives. The mom said the child’s doctor had advised them to call the police when the child acted up.
When an officer arrived on the scene, the child was sucking its thumb and laughing and did not appear to be out of control. The mother complained that the child would not mind and said she was considering filing unruly charges in juvenile court.
Officers advised her that due to the age of the child and the physical disability, it’s unlikely the charges would stick. The mom asked if officers would yell at the child to scare it. Officers declined.
At 9:30 a.m., a McDermott parent called 9-1-1 to report her child had hit her. When officers arrived, they determined the child was having mental health issues and requested a squad.
The mother decided to take the child to SOMC for treatment. Officers said that once the child was released from the hospital, they would transport it to the Juvenile Detention Center in Chillicothe.
Officers around the county are frequently called out to assist when children refuse to obey their parents, and it seems to be especially prevalent when parents are coping with a child who has a disability.
The lack of resources for parents dealing with autism and other behavioral issues continues to tax county law enforcement and EMS resources.
