A mother in Edmonton, Canada is speaking out and protesting in support of her son with autism who was arrested while playing outside. The incident has caused outrage and sparked a conversation about the treatment of individuals with disabilities by law enforcement.
The mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, says her 13-year-old son was playing with a toy gun in a park near their home when police arrived and arrested him. She explains that her son has a fascination with toy guns and often plays with them as a way to cope with his autism.
“It’s painful for a parent to see their child being treated like a criminal for simply playing,” the mother said in an emotional interview. “My son doesn’t understand the concept of danger and he was not posing a threat to anyone.”
The mother’s protest has gained attention and support from the community, with many calling for better training for law enforcement when it comes to interacting with individuals with disabilities. The incident has also sparked a larger conversation about the need for more resources and support for individuals with autism and their families.
In response to the incident, the Edmonton Police Service released a statement saying they are committed to working with individuals with disabilities and their families to ensure their safety and well-being. They also stated that they are reviewing their policies and procedures to better handle situations involving individuals with disabilities.
The mother hopes that her protest will bring about change and raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families. She urges for more understanding and compassion from law enforcement and the community as a whole.
“I want my son to be able to play freely without fear of being arrested,” the mother said. “I hope this incident will lead to positive change and a better understanding of individuals with disabilities.”