My four-year-old son will be starting kindergarten in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in August 2026. As a parent of a child with autism, my sincere hope is to provide him with the same level of support and care that he currently receives. However, as we look forward to his educational journey, a significant concern that keeps me up is the lack of essential support tailored to his specific needs.

My son elopes, he struggles with self-harm when overwhelmed, and he deals with PICA, a condition involving eating inedible objects. His transition between activities is often fraught with difficulty, and certain situations can be particularly challenging for him. This is why the presence of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who understands his particular needs and can offer ABA services within the school environment is critical.

Currently, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools do not allow RBTs to accompany children to school and provide the in-depth, personalized support they substantially benefit from. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, which have been instrumental in helping many children with autism and other disabilities, are lacking in the public school system here. The absence of these crucial services means that children like my son may not only miss out on a more inclusive and supportive education but could potentially experience setbacks and difficulties that could have been mitigated with proper behavioral support.

Studies have consistently shown that ABA is one of the most effective treatments for autism, significantly improving social skills, communication, and learning ability. Allowing RBTs to work with our children in schools does not just benefit those with autism, but enhances the learning environment as a whole, fostering an inclusive setting where all children can learn and grow together.

There is a stark need for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools to update their policies to allow RBTs to accompany children to school, ensuring that they receive the comprehensive support they need. By enabling RBTs to provide ABA services on school grounds, we are taking a step toward a more inclusive educational system.

Sign this petition to urge Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools to make the necessary policy changes and ensure that every child has access to the support they need to succeed in their educational journey. Together, we can pave the way for an inclusive and supportive school environment for all children. On February 10th

from 6pm-9pm we will meet with the CMS school board to present the petition and speak on behalf of our autistic and disabled kids who need more services and or an RBT at school with them. Please share our petition and help us get the signatures needed to make a difference. 

Board of Education-- how to  sign up for the meeting if you’d like to speak:

https://share.google/pPZJI77eqJqgSJhOI   

For reference, here is the Florida Bill that passed. It can be done! 

https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/255/Analyses/h0255z1.ELE.PDF