Woman charged with assault on autistic child in Bowmanville not Board Certified
Published October 28, 2021 at 3:47 pm
The owner of a learning centre in Bowmanville focused on autistic children who was charged with assault on a child yesterday is not a member of the Ontario Association for Behavioural Analysts nor does she hold active certification with any board, says the President of the Association.
Kendra Thompson said the alleged assault on an eight year-old non-verbal child at Think Tank Therapy is “disturbing” and deserve to be “fully investigated,” adding that the association and its members “will always stand with the parents, children, and all people who are seeking effective and safe behavioural services.”
“We encourage people looking for these services to receive them from qualified practitioners. Proper training is required to deliver ABA services. People should seek supervisors of ABA programs who are Board Certified Behaviour Analysts or Psychologists/Psychological Associates with expertise in behavioral science.”
Michelle Gallagher, 29, has been charged with two counts of assault. She has been released with conditions.
DRPS says they are working with the Children’s Aid Society and the victim’s family throughout the investigation and are trying to find out if there are other victims.
Photo Frank Gunn Canadian Press
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