KENNESAW, Ga. — Kennesaw police are investigating allegations that an autistic child was assaulted at Appleseeds Learning Center – a center for children with autism. The center’s director denies the allegations.
“I am 100% concerned,” said former parent Nicole Schochet, whose son used to attend the learning center. She says she was suddenly told to leave after she started questioning the director about treatment.
“It’s the type of stuff that you see on TV. You never think it could happen to your child or any child,” said Schochet. “Emma, the director, admitted to me she sprayed the children.”
Kennesaw police say a parent filed a complaint after her 6-year-old son came home from school in November. The parent noticed swelling in both eyes, swelling in his face, redness, blotchiness, and welt on the skin, and a bruise on his back, according to the report.
Police also recently executed a search warrant at the facility, where computers were seized, according to reports.
However, since the complaint, many parents have come to the center’s defense. The center’s director, Emma Chenoworth, denies all the allegations.
“The allegations are completely false. The mission here at Appleseeds is to provide a fun, supportive learning environment and that is what we are doing every day,” Chenoworth told Channel 2’s Rachel Stockman.
“I have never feared for my son's safety and am thankful each and every day for the therapists there. It is a positive, warm environment where children thrive and I am proud to be a part of it,” said parent Melissa Westerberg.
Daryl Hugh, a former employee, who was let go, has a different story. He says he used the bottle on several occasions, but only to spray apple cider in a child’s mouth.
“These things are not meant to arm the child in any way,” Hugh told Channel 2’s Rachel Stockman.
“It is concerning that parents don’t believe what is going on because that’s the case,” said Schochet.
The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed.
WSBTV
