Parents of child with autism claim video shows physical assault by teacher

GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish couple is suing their local school district and an employee who they allege assaulted their seven-year-old autistic son in an incident they claim was caught on the school’s security cameras.

Tatiana and Felix Puentes, individually and on behalf of their minor son, filed suit against the Jefferson Parish School Board and Lorie Shilling in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 10.

The plaintiffs allege that Lorie Shilling in her official capacity as a speech therapist for Geraldine Boudreaux Elementary in Terrytown was legally responsible for implementing programs for disabled students, establishing policies that afford special needs students with bodily protection and assuring the personal security of the students. The Puentes assert that Shilling was videotaped screaming and yelling at their son and that she violently yanked a rubber object out of his hand and pushed him into his seat.

The defendant is accused of failing to train employees to properly report, investigate and prevent the physical abuse of special needs students and failing to adequately implement policies for adequate supervision of speech therapists.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for humiliation, embarrassment, severe psychological harm and physical injury.

The plaintiffs are representing themselves in the case.

The case has been assigned to Division L Judge Donald A. Rowan Jr.

Case no. 725-782.