A family in Gloucester is demanding accountability after their five-year-old son with autism was reportedly placed alone in a school “quiet room” for nearly 30 minutes.
According to the child’s parents, the incident happened at West Parish School, where staff allegedly held the door shut while the child remained inside. The boy, described as resilient and curious, has multiple disabilities and had recently started kindergarten.
His mother said the family had repeatedly requested a one-on-one aide, but those requests were denied. They later discovered through school records that their son had been placed in isolation multiple times—without their knowledge.
Photos of the room show a small, empty space with minimal features. The child’s father described it as “a closet converted into a quiet room,” raising concerns about its suitability for young students, especially those with special needs.
Experts have strongly criticized such practices. A child psychologist from Massachusetts General Hospital called the use of isolation rooms “cruel” unless there is an immediate safety risk—and even then, only for very short durations.
The case has drawn attention to policies by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which currently do not require schools to notify parents when quiet rooms are used. New regulations, set for August 2026, will limit such practices and prohibit seclusion except in emergencies.
The school district has launched an internal investigation but declined to discuss details.
The child is now on medical leave, and the family says their goal is simple: ensure this never happens to another child.
