An Arizona behavioral therapist is now facing criminal charges after surveillance footage directly contradicted his account of how a 5-year-old boy with autism ended up with a bruise near his eye during a therapy session.
Adolfo Salas, 42, was fired from Soar Autism Center in Peoria, Arizona, after the incident on June 1, which was caught on camera and later handed over to police.
What Salas Claimed Happened
During a one-on-one session with a nonverbal autistic boy, Salas sent an “SOS” message to a colleague via tablet, writing, “I accidentally kicked him in the face.” He told the employee he had been aiming for a chair and accidentally hit the child instead.
That story quickly fell apart.
What the Video Actually Showed
Surveillance footage told a completely different story. The video captured Salas and the boy on the floor, where Salas appeared to be teaching the child how to place trash in a garbage pail. The boy was crying throughout the session.
After Salas stood up and took the garbage pail from the boy, the footage shows him raising his right leg and deliberately kicking the child in the face — while the boy was still on his hands and knees on the floor.
The boy had a bruise near his left eye and was heard crying after the kick. Rather than comforting the child, Salas reportedly stared the boy down as he went into an emotional crisis. The child, visibly distressed, spat on Salas and began throwing objects before Salas reportedly backed him against a wall.
The boy was taken to the hospital and later released.
“No One to Advocate for This Child”
The case raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of nonverbal children in care settings.
Deputy County Attorney Ashley Stetson said during Salas’ court appearance, “Had there not been that recording, there would be no one to advocate for this child, for the child cannot communicate.”
Her words underscored a deeply troubling reality — without the camera footage, Salas’ version of events may never have been challenged.
Arrest, Charges, and School’s Response
Salas was arrested at his home on June 4 and charged with aggravated assault of a minor. His bail was set at $5,000, and he was ordered to wear an ankle monitor if released. He is also prohibited from returning to his former workplace. Court dates are scheduled for June 10 and 12.
Soar Autism Center immediately fired Salas and notified police as soon as they became aware of the incident. In a message sent to families, the center stated, “We have zero tolerance for this and any behavior that compromises the safety or well-being of the children entrusted to our care.”
The case is a stark reminder of why surveillance systems in special needs care facilities matter — especially for children who cannot speak up for themselves.
