Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Utah bus driver suspended after leaving 5-year-old boy with autism on the bus

From FOX News in Utah:

BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah - A Box Elder County school bus driver is on suspension after a five-year-old autistic boy fell asleep on her bus and was later found wandering the streets. The boy, Dylan Snow, has autism spectrum disorder and dozed off as he was going to the early learning center preschool in Corinne.

The Box Elder County superintendent's office said when the kids were dropped off at the school, neither the bus driver or aide checked to see if everyone got off.

"Each time they exit the bus or each time they conclude a run they should go to the back of the bus and just check every seat for this very purpose," said Ronald Frandsen of the Box Elder School District.

The bus driver drove home and parked and Dylan woke up to an empty bus. He walked about three blocks when a neighbor spotted him and called police, who then put Dylan back on the bus. He was then returned home safely.

The boy said he does not want to get back on the bus. The bus driver and aide are now on suspension until the district investigates and may risk losing their jobs. But all the Snows want is to make sure this does not happen again.

"It was a horrible mistake, but it's not excusable," said Julie Snow, Dylan's mother.

Dylan's mom drove him to school today and tomorrow a teacher will ride with him on the school bus because he said he is afraid to ride alone.