Autistic Teen Clings To Life After Stabbing
Boy Moved To A Different Hospital
Reporting
Andrea Menniti
MODESTO (CBS13) ―
Neighbors of the mother accused of repeatedly stabbing her autistic son say they had only known the suspect as a devoted mother and autism activist who loved her son more than anything.
Anitra Hankins, 36, is under suicide watch in Stanislaus County custody on charges of torturing, tying up and viciously attacking 13-year-old Miles Hankins on Sunday night.
"He had stab wounds all over him," said next-door neighbor Christopher Tooze. "A big stab wound in the head."
Acquaintances were at a loss to describe how the incident could have happened. Anitra Hankins was regarded as a great mother who once served on the state Council on Developmental Disabilities.
In her 2004 resignation letter to the board, Anitra stated, "My health and that of my special needs child will not permit me to continue fulfilling my responsibilities as I would prefer."
The single mother passed out fliers and held prayer vigils for Miles in May while the boy underwent dangerous but lifesaving surgery, neighbors said.
"For her to do that, it seems like Dr. Jekyll [and] Mr. Hyde, you know," said neighbor Gordon Jameson.
Miles is still listed in critical condition at the hospital. He has was transported to a different, unnamed hospital where he remains under the care of child protective services.
A memorial supporting Miles is growing outside the Modesto apartment complex where the attack took place.
There isn't a lot to say here except that the people who are charged with helping our kids to learn to live with some meaning need to get a handle on actually doing that job. I am so grateful that I have friends and a husband I can talk about my frustrations, fears, and anger with. Though the friends are few these days since most people don't understand what we go through and want to avoid it like the plague. I completely understand how parents can go over the edge when it is a struggle every day and on top of it we have to fight-fight-fight for just the basics for our kids. All I ever used to ask for was teach my kid to talk/understand/communicate. Now I want more, but not much more, I want her to get enough services and educational benefit to live a safe and happy life. I'm sure there are a lot of other parents who feel the same, yet we meet confrontation at nearly every turn. It's no wonder people suffer psychotic breaks, most of the time it seems impossible to help our kids and that kind of stress can overwhelm, especially if one does not have a good support system. If we think we could never be in this woman's shoes then we are the most vulnerable. Realizing that any of us given the right (or is that wrong?) set of circumstances could suffer a moment or more of insanity is vital. It is in the preparation for such an event through the building of support and personal transparency that will keep us from this type of tragedy.
No comments:
Post a Comment