Parents Advocate for Special Needs Student After Multiple Suspensions

The parents of a Georgia first-grader are raising concerns after their son, diagnosed with autism, faced suspension for shaping his sandwich into what resembled a gun and pointing it at a classmate. They argue that the school’s strict rules don’t consider his developmental challenges.

Frequent Disciplinary Actions

John Medina, only six years old, was suspended last March at Sarah Harp Elementary School in Fayette County. John, with level 1 autism and ADHD, struggles with social norms. His parents, Kristin and Ricky Medina, told Fox News Digital that John’s advanced academic skills haven’t shielded him from disciplinary issues. Since 2023, he has faced roughly 15 suspensions and over two dozen disciplinary actions. These range from serious incidents to minor gestures like drawing or hand signs.

Impact on Self-Esteem

John’s frequent suspensions have impacted his self-esteem. He feels singled out and refers to himself as a “bad kid.” Despite his advanced reading skills, John’s school experiences make him reluctant to attend due to fear of being mocked for his choices.

Challenges in Securing Support

The Medinas shared their struggle to secure an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for John. Initially, the school resisted, citing his academic prowess and not recognizing his autism. It took numerous suspensions and a secondary ADHD diagnosis before approval. Over time, the school began offering more support, like a calmer classroom setting and a behavioral plan involving an aide during certain activities.

Parental Concerns and School’s Stance

The parents advocate for less harsh consequences, preferring educational moments for their child, particularly seeing more serious actions handled with appropriate measures. While Fayette County Public Schools refrained from discussing specific details, they emphasized the importance of viewing John’s overall disciplinary record for context.