(La Porte, IN) - A settlement has been reached between the La Porte Community School Corporation and the parents of a girl with autism.

 

Charles and Heather Castle alleged a wooden partition was formed around their daughter's desk at Kingsford Heights Elementary School. There was evidence the girl was strapped to her seat.

 

Indiana law allows staff members to restrict a child's movement only as a last resort to avoid injury or if the child's parents agreed in advance.

 

Specifics of the settlement have not been released.

 

According to the lawsuit filed in 2018, the girl started having nightmares and exhibited other unusual behaviors after being confined to her desk. The lawsuit also alleged she had small abrasions around her mid-section, indicative of a strap being used to keep her in her seat. 

 

Reports indicate the family has since moved to Valparaiso, and the girl is now being homeschooled.