Non-Verbal Child Burned At North Carolina School

ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A couple in Robeson County, North Carolina is upset after their 9-year-old autistic and non-verbal son suffered second-degree burns at school.

Casson and Crystal Jones say they can’t shake their son’s screams last week after being hurt at his school, Prospect Elementary, in Maxton.

Their son, Nolan, who is severely autistic and non-verbal, suffered second degree burns to his hand when he touched a serving bar in the school’s cafeteria.

Nolan had to go to the Chapel Hill Burn Center for treatment. His parents say because of his severe autism, Nolan has to be with an adult at all times, literally holding his hand, according to his parents.

The Jones’ say for two years they’ve pleaded with the district to assign a special full time, one on one aide to be with Nolan so he wouldn’t wander away. Now, the family says the district has told them Nolan can’t come back to the after school program until they get a one on one aide or shadow for him.