My 4-year-old nephew, who is also autistic, was subjected to an unspeakable ordeal. His own mother physically abused him - choking him, slamming him against the wall, and dropping him to the ground while again picking him up by his neck and dropping him again to the ground.  This horrifying act was captured on video and yet, his mother was only charged with misdemeanor child abuse and not incarcerated, instead merely summoned for court. This leniency in her punishment is a gross injustice that shines a light on a larger issue: the inadequacy of penalties for child abuse in our legal system, especially when the victims are at-risk autistic minors.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, approximately 3.5 million children were subject to an investigated report of maltreatment in 2018 alone (Child Maltreatment 2018, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Among these children, those with disabilities were 3 times more likely to be abused or neglected (The Risk and Prevention of Maltreatment of Children with Disabilities, Child Welfare Information Gateway). This is unacceptable.

Children with autism and other at-risk minors deserve better protection under the law. We must fight to criminalize such monstrous behavior and instill harsher punishments for abusers. Let us work to alter our legal system so that my nephew's experience is never repeated, and parents think twice before causing such harm. Let's make child abuse of at-risk or autistic minors a felony. Your signature can make a difference in the safety of our children. Please, sign this petition, THE REDD ACT