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Putting autistic children in seclusion rooms not uncommon - expert

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Fri, 17 Nov 2017, 7:57AM
A Ministry of Education survey last year, found putting autistic children in seclusion rooms is uncommon. (Photo \ Stockxchng)

Putting autistic children in seclusion rooms not uncommon - expert

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Fri, 17 Nov 2017, 7:57AM

Putting autistic children in seclusion rooms isn't as rare as we might think.

Ruru Specialist School in Invercargill is under fire for repeatedly placing an upset autistic child in a seclusion room between 2011 and 2015.

Last year, an autistic boy was reportedly locked in a cupboard-sized room at Miramar School, and staff were accused of hitting and force-feeding kids at a special needs school in Dunedin.

Autism New Zealand CEO, Dane Dougan told Mike Hosking although laws have since changed, a Ministry of Education survey last year found such practices are not uncommon.

"Children with autism, there is certainly need for a quiet space for them but not in a locked, tiny, cupboard-sized room."

LISTEN ABOVE AS DANE DOUGAN SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING

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