Judge Backs Schools in Autism Case

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Lincoln Public Schools' education plan for a student with autism did not violate federal education law, despite a national expert's opinion that it would make the boy's behavior worse, a U.S. District Court judge ruled.
Chrissy and Matt McNair filed a lawsuit against LPS on behalf of their son Luke, alleging that LPS officials' insistence on using a "calm down room" for him did not provide him with a "free and appropriate education plan" as required by federal law.
The lawsuit argued the district should have relied on research and recommendations of a national expert from the Kennedy Krieger Institute, who found that using the calm down room actually made Luke more aggressive, significantly reducing his academic progress.