Mom Says Autistic Child was Restrained Tightly in Class; Wants Answers

MORRIS, Okla. - A Morris mother said she is angry and wants answers to why her autistic child was placed in a restraint that was too tight while sitting in a special needs class. The mother sat down exclusively with Tulsa's Channel 8, Friday, to explain her frustrations.

Paulette Phillips' youngest child, Tomorrow, is diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, which is a form of Autism found only in girls. Phillips explained her 13-year-old doesn't speak and her condition gives her chills. The mom said she stopped by her daughter's special needs class at Morris Public Schools on Tuesday to bring Tomorrow a sweater.

"She had a pillow and a blanket on her and I thought, 'Huh'. So I moved the pillow and the blanket back and there was a restraint and it was holding her just way too tight," said Phillips.

Phillips said the restraint was so tight she couldn't fit two fingers in between to try and take her out.

"It's got to be painful sitting there when you can't move and she moves all the timeshe always moving, she's always clapping. So I'm just saying I was angrywords can't describe how mad I was," said Phillips.

Phillips said the school has had a note from Tomorrow's doctor since 2011. The note states Tomorrow is not to be restrained and has to move around at least every 30 minutes due to her condition.

Philips said when she asked teachers why her daughter was tied up in the first place, she was outraged by the response.

"She said, 'Oh I just put her in there I'll just take her out,' and that was her attitude, no remorse. I said 'Well that's my kid you didn't call her dad, you didn't ask me'," said Phillips.

Phillips said her daughter has not had any previous behavioral problems reported before. She said it's not clear how long tomorrow was in the restraint, but believes the act has been done before.

Morris Public Schools superintendent James Lyons said he has not heard of a situation like this before, but adds the district is involved to help find answers.

"The safety of our kids and their well-being is our number one priority and of course when that concern was brought to our attention obviously we're working with the local authorities and addressing that situation," said Lyons.

He continued, "With our Special-Ed Department, our teachers, our directors, all the people we have on staff are looking into this situation and making sure that we're doing everything we can in the best interest of our students."

Lyons said additional Individualized Education Program meetings may be in the near future to better assist special needs students and all students in the district.

Phillips said she has filed a police report and hired a lawyer to help her assess the situation. Since Tomorrow doesn't speak, Phillips said she's going to be her voice in finding a resolution.

"I think she'd say, 'Let me go, I'm free, I'm free to fall, I'm free to get up and play like the other kids. I'm a kid I'm going to fall down and it's ok, but I'm not an animal, you can't tie me up'," said Phillips.