A Nevada couple was arrested after authorities found their 11-year-old son with autism held in a metal cage, wearing only a diaper with feces smeared on the cage’s floor. Henderson police officers conducted a wellness check after being contacted by the school district about a truancy issue involving the boy. Officers discovered the boy being contained within a large metal enclosure in a home with inhospitable living conditions. Misty Scanlan, 46, and Jeffery Scanlan, 41, were arrested and charged with felony child abuse or neglect.
A truancy officer had visited the Scanlan home earlier in the day, hearing a child screaming and a gate rattling inside but no one answered. When a Henderson police officer arrived for a follow-up check, Jeffrey Scanlan allowed the officer inside and the metal enclosure with the boy in a diaper was discovered. Feces were found on the floor of the enclosure, which was described as similar to a jail cell. A Special Victims Unit detective conducted an investigation of the home, describing rooms with no furniture, trash strewn around, feces on the wall and floor, and rooms with external locks preventing anyone inside from leaving.
Jeffery Scanlan allegedly told law enforcement that the metal enclosure was used as a “semi-punitive measure” for his son’s aggressive behavior due to a severe diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The couple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The boy was taken into protective custody as the investigation continues. The arrest record stated that Misty and Jeffery Scanlan had been charged with felony child abuse or neglect.
The arrest of Misty and Jeffery Scanlan has sparked outrage and concern for the well-being of the 11-year-old boy with autism. The use of a metal cage as a form of discipline has raised questions about the treatment of children with special needs and the resources available to families in similar situations. Advocates for individuals with autism have called for a thorough investigation and appropriate consequences for the Scanlans, as well as support for the boy as he recovers from this traumatic experience. The case has underscored the importance of awareness and understanding when it comes to caring for children with special needs.
Authorities have stated that the living conditions in the Scanlan home were deemed inhospitable, with various rooms in disarray, feces on the walls and floors, and external locks on some doors. The presence of trash and lack of furniture further highlighted the neglect the boy may have experienced while living in the residence. The boy’s removal from the home and placement in protective custody signal a commitment to ensuring his safety and well-being moving forward. The investigation into the Scanlan’s actions and the circumstances surrounding the boy’s treatment is ongoing, with a focus on holding those responsible for abuse and neglect accountable.
As the community reacts to the shocking news of an 11-year-old boy with autism being found in a metal cage, there has been a call for increased awareness and support for families caring for children with special needs. The case has shed light on the challenges faced by families dealing with complex conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder and the importance of providing appropriate resources and assistance to ensure the best possible care for these individuals. Moving forward, there is a collective effort to prevent similar incidents from occurring and to promote understanding and compassion for children with special needs and their families.
