Tort Claim Says Idaho School Employee Slapped Autistic Child

CALDWELL, Idaho (AP) — The family of a 6-year-old autistic student has filed a tort claim alleging that a speech therapist at the boy's school slapped him across the face.

KTVB-TV reports that the claim filed Wednesday against the Vallivue School District seeks $2,500 in damages, a public apology as well as "other appropriate remedies." Victor and Joyce Rodriguez claim their son, who is nonverbal, was in speech therapy on Jan. 5 when he was hit by therapist Lisa Carriere.

According to the tort, Carriere told the principal the boy had been acting aggressively and began to charge her. The Rodriguezes reported the incident to police. Superintendent Pat Charlton says the matter was handled appropriately and that Carriere is on administrative leave pending an investigation into the incident.