Local mom on mission to keep son with autism together with school aide
Cherry Hill, NJ (WTXF) - A miracle worker that is how a Cherry Hill mom describes the school aide who has worked with her son with autism. The school aide has worked with him for five years. However, the 17-year-old recently learned that the aide has been reassigned. Now his mom is on a mission to do everything in her power to keep the two together and keep her son's progress on track.
17-year-old Tommy Haines arrives home from his last day of summer session at Cherry Hill West High School.
"She means a lot to me because she always keeps me calm," he told FOX 29.
Christine Haines says her son has behavioral and anxiety issues but since Tommy's aide who we're only identifying as Nancy started working with him he's done a complete turn around.
Tommy proudly showing off his artwork. He's been in two school plays and works in the school store.
"He made honor roll for the first time in his life and that's huge for us," his mom said.
"When I get really stressed, my aide always suggests I go for a walk with her," he said. "We work together."
His mom says none of this happened before Nancy. She says the school district promised her the two could stay together through high school and now she's being told differently, getting few answers.
Tommy's mom says he's already regressing since learning the person he counts on at school won't be by his side for the start of his junior year.
A school district spokesperson tells FOX 29 it does not comment on student matters, because of confidentiality.
The superintendent did call the family while we were there to set up a meeting to discuss the situation that happens next Thursday.