Mother of autistic child says Boston’s plan to start school year fully remote won’t work for her child

BOSTON — The Boston Public School system will start the school year fully remote. Since the announcement was made a number of people have been weighing in.

That includes the mother of a child with special needs. She is so frustrated with the way the district is handling the situation that she reached out to Boston 25 News.

This mom says remote learning just won't work for her child.

Alex Maloney is a 4-year-old whose mom Lisa Maloney was hoping he could go back to school in person on Sept. 21.

“(He) is autistic. He needs a lot of stimulation,” Maloney said.

But Lisa’s hopes were dashed when Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced the start of in-person classes would be pushed back again, this time to Oct. 1.

“So, I am very, very disappointed. I think they could have done a lot better with this plan,” Maloney says.

Maloney says her son’s needs far outweigh what she can do at home.

“That’s not enough. Autistic kids, especially Alex, need all day long (attention), every single day,” she said.

We told Boston Public Schools that parents like Maloney are frustrated. They sent us a statement which says in part:

“The Boston Public Schools’ phased-in hybrid plan for reopening in the fall prioritizes meeting the needs of our most vulnerable learners, respects family choice, and is thorough, thoughtful and responsive to the feedback we have received from families and teachers.”

—  – Boston Public Schools

Maloney answered a survey sent to parents.

“Two questions, whether I would be sending him remotely or in-person and I wanted to send him in-person,” she said.

She feels her request was ignored so she’s looking elsewhere, “I am personally looking to other options for him,” she tells Boston 25.

And Maloney adds that’s because since Alex has been home, he’s regressed. She knows COVID-19 is a big concern but also believes Boston is failing its children including her son Alex.

“This whole pandemic has been going on since March and they’re just coming out with this plan right now? What were they doing all this time?” she said.

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