A parent of an elementary student with autism has asked Northern Lehigh School District to consider additional training for teachers so they can better deal with children with mental health diagnoses.

Marwa Schoch, a behavioral health consultant, with a master’s degree in psychology, as well as certifications in early childhood development and promoting basic functional emotional developmental capacities, addressed the school board on Monday.

Schoch said her son is in second grade at Peters Elementary.

“Within and outside of my role, I have found that teachers are struggling to understand the behavioral and developmental needs of students,” Schoch said. “I have witnessed teachers losing patience with children feeling as if they are lacking support, or disciplining children for behaviors that they cannot control.”

Schoch explained the situation that raised her concern.

“Just this past Friday, my son, who is diagnosed with autism, ADHD and anxiety, informed me that his teacher grabbed him by the arm and removed him from an activity when he could not process the directive that was given,” she said. “He was making repetitive sounds which he does due to the need to self stimulate.

“She asked him if he was ready to return to the activity and my son said ‘yes’. She then said, ‘Oh maybe I should talk in your language so that you will understand me.’”

“His peers laughed at him as she proceeded to mock him in front of his whole class by making the repetitive sounds that he made. He was mortified.

“No student deserves to be discriminated against, especially not one with a diagnosis. No student deserves to be mocked, punished for their deficits or made fun of by the adults who are supposed to be there to teach, support and protect them.

“My only explanation based on faith and humanity is that this behavior is due to ignorance and lack of education.”

Schoch suggested ways to change that.

“We can provide additional trainings for teachers, we can inform them of how to identify and respond in a positive and productive manner to mental health diagnoses. We can help them understand that reward, not punishment, will be effective in helping our children thrive,” she said.

Superintendent Matthew J. Link thanked Schoch for addressing the situation with the board.