Texas teacher allegedly used dog whistle to harm 6-year-old boy with autism, causing injuries
Waco teacher Amber Escamilla is accused of using a dog whistle to discipline a 6-year-old boy with autism. Escamilla could face serious charges following the incident.
Amber Escamilla, a 46-year-old teacher from Waco, Texas, is facing serious charges after allegedly using an electronic dog whistle as a way to control a 6-year-old autistic student's perspective. Escamilla is alleged to have used this device to control compliance from the student who had become overstimulated at school. The 6-year-old's overstimulation likely caused emotional and physical pain to the child.
The allegations came to light when this child's parents contacted their school district and stated that their son, who has auditory sensitivity, had begun to complain of ear pain and to cry at home. As the investigation continues, Escamilla's alleged behavior has incited outrage and prompted questions about how to deal with students with vulnerabilities in schools.
Texas teacher faces allegations after causing harm to a 6-year-old autistic student
Amber Escamilla is accused to use the device to "force compliance" from the child when he became overstimulated at Bell's Hill Elementary School, according to the police report.
The investigation started after detectives from a Waco ISD school district received a referral from child protective services regarding a possible abuse case. The child's parents told investigators that their son, who has auditory sensitives, wore earmuffs to school for protection against loud noises.
In coordination with the affidavit, the young boy "would come home and cry" about what he thought were fire alarms hurting his ears. In addition to the mother's testimony, she mentioned that since the start of the school year, her son had developed a growing fear of school due to the noise, which he described as unbearable.
The police report states that in November 2024 school principal, Karen Davidson, took an electronic whistle from Escamilla. It states, “A staff member reported that the teacher had shown the device in the staff room, saying she used it 'when the kid gets loud,' and that he stopped every time she blew it,” wrote KWTX.
Escamilla, a teacher with more than ten years' experience and had recently started working at the school after moving to Waco with her family, revealed her purchase of the whistle for outdoor use.
She stated she only used it once on the playground and was merely a threat to get the child to do what she said. However, a key witness gave a different account.
The incident happened at Bell's Hill Elementary School in Waco, Texas. Photo: Hommes
The individual, whose name was never made public, stated that Escamilla used the whistle inside the classroom in September 2024 to control behavior of the child. "The witness observed the child covering his ears and pleading for the [teacher] to stop", the affidavit stated.
“The witness advised that the child is sensitive to sound and was visibly in pain from the defendant using the whistle.”, told to detectives.
What will happen to Amber Escamilla, teacher accused to harm a 6-year-old boy?
Waco ISD spokesperson, Wendy Sledd confirmed to KWTX that Escamilla had worked domestic violence charges in a month at Waco ISD for less than a year and that Escamilla's contract was not renewed.
Sledd said, in all seriousness, "we are aware that the actions being investigated are not indicative of the values or expectations we have for our staff." Sledd made clear the district cares about all students and their wellbeing.
"We at Waco ISD are certain to always do our best to provide a safe and secure place for all of our students. Our district and police department is cooperating with the investigation to ensure that anything and everything possible is covered," Sledd said.
Escamilla is charged with a third-degree felony. If convicted, Escamilla could be sentenced to as long as 10 years.
