Will Florida change how schools treat autistic children?

Several Treasure Coast families traveled to Orlando on Tuesday to take part in a two-day discussion on autism and developmental disabilities, sponsored by the 100 Ideas Foundation. Families shared their stories with about 250 parents, autism advocates and lawmakers.

The meeting came about partly as a result of Alex Barton, who gained national attention when his Port St. Lucie kindergarten teacher led a vote to oust him from his classroom. After Alex’s case, the Office of the Attorney General launched a statewide investigation into how autistic children are treated in school. A representative from the office attended the session, taking several notes while parents shared their stories.

Alex’s mother, Melissa Barton, attended the discussion, along with Port St. Lucie mother Anna Moore. Moore says her son was physically restrained four times within a month in a St. Lucie County school, and no one has been held accountable for her child’s bruises.

She said charges couldn’t be filed against the employee who physically restrained her child unless she could prove he intended to hurt her son.

Jack Scott, director of the Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, said the meeting was an opportunity for parents to speak with educators and lawmakers.

“They are very concerned,” Scott said of parents who say their autistic children were mistreated in school. “They have a clear message. It’s obvious they are not alone.”

Small groups discussed issues such as restraints and seclusion, individual education plans and early learning options, listing their suggestions and ideas on large notepads to be given to lawmakers.

State House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, said the summit’s purpose was to discuss concerns and formulate ideas for action.

“There are too many kids whose issues are not being addressed,” said Rubio, one of the organizers of the event.

The idea was to bring people from all branches of education together to talk, he said.

State Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna, said the forum gave everyone a chance to talk and bring their issues to the table for discussion.

And Coley said change is coming, possibly with the next legislative session.

“I am very optimistic,” she said.

Parents said the event was a start toward achieving change in how autistic children are treated.

“It’s a door open, and we need to keep the door open,” said Palm Beach mother Phyllis Mucumeci, whose autistic son was restrained 89 times in school.