Washington mom pulled autistic son from school after staff isolated him at recess — his ‘thank you’ broke her heart

In a video posted on Instagram by Shelbie Anne (@mamadontbreak), a mom pulled her 5-year-old autistic son out of public school after what she described as repeated neglect and isolation. "I just removed my son from public school," she said, "I've decided I'm gonna homeschool him, at least for the foreseeable future." In the video, which has since gained 985,000 views and around 32,000 likes, she admitted she doesn’t yet know how she’ll manage it, but she made the decision after hearing what her son had to say. "He does not deserve to go to school, feel unsafe, and come home and say, 'Why do my teachers treat me differently just because I have autism?'" she shared.

According to the mom, her son would beg not to go to school anymore, and when she told him he didn’t have to return, his reaction crushed her. "He said, 'Thank you, Mom,' and my heart broke," she explained in the caption. What finally pushed her to make the call was learning that her son had been forced to sit indoors and watch the other kids play outside. "He has to go and have his recess by himself," she said, "It’s asinine."

Studies show that social isolation at recess isn’t rare for children with autism, and it often comes with emotional costs. A 2019 study, led by Jill Locke, a research assistant professor who specializes in interventions for those with autism, found that autistic children spent about 25–30% of recess time alone, with limited interaction or play involvement, with Locke saying that "may be the hardest period of the day" for them.

Anne also believes this may be a violation of district policy in Spokane, Washington, where the family lives. She further described how her son had worked hard to earn stars in the classroom’s behavior reward system, only to be excluded from the celebration. "They sent him home early and held the party without him behind his back," she said, "Of course, he’s not gonna keep trying. You guys don’t even give him the reward you say he’s earning." The mom acknowledged that there are good educators out there, but said it’s the breakdown in communication between parents and schools that leads to situations like this, adding, "I have brought these concerns up many times in the past, and nothing has been done."

"As long as I am able, I will advocate for my son. This has become a pattern of discrimination at this school, and I have decided I have had enough," she wrote, concluding with, "I’m not sure how, but I have faith that He will guide me and show me what to do and where to go from here." The post struck a chord with parents all over the country, especially those raising autistic children who’ve experienced similar forms of exclusion.

@momofausomesiblings wrote, "Wow, I’m so sorry that you had to experience this, mama. Sending you hug as you navigate this new season. One autism mom to the other!" @evangelistwendy777 added, "Don’t let that go, mom! They need to be held accountable, whether he’s withdrawn or not! Ughhh!" @it.keegs commented, "My children are neurotypical, but I am yanking them from public school when the year ends. I’m sick of the system entirely... I want slow mornings and happy kids." @khloerapson_ shared, "Pulled mine out in January. No regrets! Good luck on your homeschooling journey! Mainstream school is not suitable for our kids. Good job, Mom."

You can follow Shelbie Anne (@mamadontbreak) for more autism and mental health advocacy content.