According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children in the United States are now identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This number has grown significantly in recent years, which means more children with autism are attending daycare and childcare centers. As this number increases, so does the need for caregivers who provide patience, specialized attention, and understanding.
Unfortunately, not every daycare meets that standard. Some children with autism, especially those who are non-verbal, are at greater risk of abuse or neglect in facilities that hire unqualified or undertrained staff. When caregivers do not understand how to meet the unique needs of children with autism, the consequences can be devastating.
When Daycares Fail Children with Autism
One case our firm handled in Texas involved a non-verbal child with autism who returned home from daycare with scratches on his face. The daycare tried to explain the injuries by saying the child had hurt himself, something his parents knew had never happened before. After investigating, it became clear that the child had been physically abused.
Sadly, this type of incident is not rare. Our team has worked with families across Texas who have experienced similar situations. Many of these cases share common patterns in the daycare’s operations and management.
Common Problems in Negligent Daycares
When we look at centers where abuse or neglect occurs, we often see warning signs such as:
- High caregiver turnover rates
- Staff who have not completed the required annual training
- Daycares that exceed the state’s child-to-caregiver ratios
- A lack of surveillance cameras in classrooms and play areas
- Unqualified caregivers with little or no training about autism
- Directors who fail to supervise employees properly
Each of these issues increases the risk of children being placed in unsafe situations. For children with autism, consistency, structure, and understanding are essential. When those needs are ignored, the environment can quickly become harmful.
Warning Signs for Parents to Watch
Because many children with autism are non-verbal, they may not be able to describe what is happening at daycare. Parents should be alert to any changes in behavior or routine that could signal something is wrong. Some of the most common warning signs include:
- Avoiding certain caregivers or becoming fearful of daycare
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Regression in skills or developmental milestones
- Sudden aggression or withdrawal
- Unexplained bruises or injuries
These behaviors can be a child’s way of communicating distress. Parents know their children best, and any sudden change in demeanor should be taken seriously.
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
If you believe your child has been mistreated at daycare, take immediate action. Start by documenting what you notice, including photos of injuries and notes about behavioral changes. Seek medical care right away to make sure your child receives proper attention and to create an official record of the injuries. Then report the incident to Texas Health and Human Services so an investigation can begin.
Once those steps are taken, reach out to an experienced daycare injury lawyer. Legal action can hold negligent daycares accountable and help protect other children from future harm.
Helping Families Move Forward
At The Button Law Firm, our work focuses exclusively on daycare and child injury cases. We understand how difficult it is for families to learn that their child was hurt in a place that was supposed to be safe. Our team is here to help parents understand their rights, take action against negligent daycares, and find a path toward healing.
If your child has been injured or neglected at daycare, contact The Button Law Firm at (214) 699-4409, email intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out our contact form. We are here to protect children, support families, and make sure daycares are held accountable.
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