Last February when he was a 17-year-old special education student at Matanzas High School, Brendan Depa attacked his paraprofessional, Joan Naydich, in a hallway, knocked her unconscious and pummeled her until staffers separated him from her. He was arrested and eventually charged as an adult with a first-degree felony count of aggravated battery on a school employee. In October he pleaded to the charge. It’s an open plea, leaving it to Circuit Judge Terence Perkins to sentence him on Jan. 31.
Gene Lopes is a retired special education teacher who has spent the last several months tutoring Depa at the Flagler County jail. Here’s his experience.
By Gene Lopes
First let’s address the elephant in the room: I support Brendan Depa. And I support Joan Naydich.
Since the horrific events of Feb. 21, when Brendan, then a student at Matanzas High School, brutally beat up Ms. Naydich, his paraprofessional, after an incident that involved the removal of an electronic device, some very good people felt they had to choose sides.
When I say good people, I don’t include those who have called Brendan an animal, those who have called for him to be put down, those who have called his parents horrible or his mother a manipulator who wants to absolve Brendan of any responsibility for his actions. I won’t dwell on haters who seem to have ulterior motives perhaps resulting from issues of their own. The truth is that both Brendan and Naydich are victims in this case.
Since that horrible day, I have gotten to know Brendan Depa better than most people in this community. I am his tutor at the Flagler County jail, bringing my 30 years of experience as a special education teacher to the table. As Brendan’s sentencing day approaches (on Jan. 31), I would like to share my experience with him, and to give you a perspective that may not change your mind about him, but that should at least be part of the conversation.
I will also provide my own analysis, based on my examination of the record–both Brendan’s education records and his educators’ records–of a context that to this day has not been made part of the conversation, and that should be: without justifying the violence one iota, it is important to understand what happened that day beyond the viral videos, the press reports and the mountains of assumptions that risk burying the human beings beneath them, Brendan among them.
With the help of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and Chief Daniel Engert, who heads the agency’s Court and Detention Services, I have gotten to work with Brendan as a tutor for the last several months. I must acknowledge the incredible program being run by Sheriff Rick Staly and Flagler County Vocational College to help incarcerated individuals to better their lives by working toward GEDs or developing vocational skills as electricians, plumbers and cooks. I have gotten to meet some of these people and am very impressed with their desire to improve their lives. I worked with Brendan in that context.
Brendan is everything his mother has told us he is. He is engaging, funny, smart, sensitive and inquisitive. Brendan is also guarded, childlike (for example he is still passionate about Pokemon), impulsive, naive and a bit defensive.
Brendan is unlike any student I have worked with in my 30 years. His vocabulary and technical writing skills are in a superior range. He is a prolific writer who is presently writing two books. He is an artist. At our first meeting Brendan asked me: “Would you like me to draw you a picture of the main character from my book?”
He writes songs, which he has sung to me. One of his songs is a Pokemon rap song. It is clever, cute and complex all at the same time, and it is clean. Brendan is also an avid reader of fantasy novels. He enjoys reading and is only limited by not having access to more reading material. Brendan will tell you that he does not like math and is not good at it but he has demonstrated the skills necessary to be a good math student.
Brendan and I have discussed his past actions. But it is not my place to speak for him, other than to convey what he always says: that he is sorry.
I have also seen Brendan get frustrated. Ironically, this was because I could not spend more time with him. I was able to softly explain to him that if leaving early on some days was going to be a problem, I would only come on days when I could stay for three or four hours. I asked him to decide what he wanted me to do. In other words, we talked it out. By doing so, he calmed down and decided that he would like me to come whenever I could, even if it was only for an hour or two.
Like so many of my friends with autism (I still have weekly contact with many of my former students, who are now in their 20s and 30s), Brendan has a unique awareness of how people feel about him. He has seen the compassion of Chief Engert and many other detention deputies at the Flagler County jail.
He is also working to understand other inmates who may be looking to take advantage of him or to set him off. He is a very easy target in the prison population.
Brendan is also very aware of the anger and hate that many people in the community hold against him. At one of our last sessions together, he suddenly stopped working, looked me straight in the eyes and said: “A lot of people hate me. Why don’t you?”
Wow. I have never thought about it. I had to tell him that when I first saw the video–the video that went viral, that shows Brendan beating Naydich unconscious–I was pretty much like everyone else who was angry and upset at what he did. It was not until I read his mother’s article about his life that I changed how I felt. (See: “Brendan Depa’s Mother Tells Her Son’s Story.”)
I told Brendan that I realized that he was a person who made a horrible mistake, but a person who deserves a second chance. Who among us does not? Who among us would be where we are, had we not been given second, third or more chances?
Let me now address a few things about Brendan’s time at Matanzas High School, up to that fateful day.
Both Naydich and the teacher of record, Barbara Buchanan, were in the first year of new careers in education. My point is certainly not to blame either but to suggest the lack of sufficient training and preparation that Naydich and Buchanan received when taking on the task of working with students who have emotional/behavioral disabilities (EBD). Both Naydich and Buchanan took on assignments that very few people are willing to even attempt. They certainly did not get into it for fame and fortune. They were hired by a school district facing a severe staff shortage, and that needed bodies in the classroom.
This led to a relaxation of state mandated requirements for new teachers and paraprofessionals. I am drawing this conclusion based on my analysis of records obtained through public record requests. It appears from these records that both Naydich and Buchanan did not complete many required hours until after the incident. These requirements are not just for the benefit of the student but also as a way of keeping teachers as safe as possible. As a comparison, for me to teach Special Education in New Jersey, I earned a bachelor’s in Special Education, a master’s in Learning Disabilities, and completed 100 hours of professional development every five years.
Over my 30 years as a special education professional, I have probably worked with more than 100 students with autism or behavioral disorders. I have been kicked, punched, spat on, bitten, had a desk thrown at me, had a computer smashed on my feet, cursed, screamed at (once by a parent), along with many smaller incidents.
Most times these behaviors were the result of a student having a bad day. Sometimes they were the result of other students inciting a student. On more than a few occasions, the incidents were the result of something I did. I never intentionally set out to upset a kid. But sometimes my good intentions blew up in my face. For the record: I loved my job and miss it every day. To help me with my withdrawal symptoms, I have been very fortunate to sub at Buddy Taylor Middle School alongside amazing staff and administrators over the last two years.
Every special education student has what’s called an Individualized Education Program, or IEP for short. An IEP is not just “guidelines” that we can use when working with classified students. It is a legal document that teachers and schools are required to follow with each individual student. The IEP is a mandated component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). So, in a self-contained class, each student will have a completely different IEP. Sometimes it feels like we are juggling chainsaws. Most days talented teachers and their paras figure out how to make it work. It can take years. It is never perfect even over time.
Brendan’s behavior plan, which I have obtained and reviewed with his mother’s permission, had a list of 25 elements that teachers and paras should implement to keep everyone safe while in school. Among them were:
“Utilize a token economy and allow him opportunities to earn tokens (level reward system) to cash in for tangible or edible items.” Brendan’s reward system was working. Without consulting Brenbdan’s mother, the teacher made a decision to change the system–to allow Brendan to earn time playing video games on a handheld device. The removal of handheld devices was a well known trigger for Brendan as stated in previous IEPs and evaluations. I am sure that no one anticipated the degree of Brendan’s response. But a response should have been anticipated.
“Avoid correcting, reprimanding, or redirecting Brendan in the presence of peers as student has a history of becoming verbally aggressive and defiant when approached this way.” The escalation of this conflict all happened in front of other students.
“Do not take comments personally, and use planned ignoring.”
In 2025, we will celebrate 50 years since the landmark legislation called the Education For All Handicapped Children’s Act, now known as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law recognized that every child, regardless of his or her disability, is entitled to a free and appropriate public education. The act not only protects the students, but also the rights of parents.
The law was intended to make all states, counties and school districts responsible for the well-being of all of our children. The question needs to be asked: did we fulfill this responsibility to Brendan Depa, and are we continuing to punish him for having autism by incarcerating him without addressing his mental health issues?
Incarcerating a young man with the emotional maturity of a 5 or 6 year old does nothing to heal Joan Naydich’s physical or mental scars and does not make society safer. It can be a valuable lesson to all school districts that we need to do a better job caring for our students with disabilities, which will also make our teachers and paraprofessionals safer.
Brendan Depa, like so many others, is a product of a system that is exhausted, overwhelmed and understaffed. The Depa family seems to have done everything humanly possible to help Brendan, only to run into bureaucracy and roadblocks that forced them to send him three hours from home and into a public school system unprepared to meet his unique needs.
It is time that the judicial system finds a safer and more therapeutic setting for Brendan. I speak from 30 years of experience when I say that Brendan is not a lost cause. He is an 18-year-old young man who needs our help and our support. It takes a village is not a pretty turn of phrase. It is an essential reality in which many of us play a role, in which some of us must play that role.
Without any question, the time I have spent with Brendan over the past two months has been the most rewarding work that I have ever done. The staff at the jail has gone out of their way to get Brendan to me four or five days a week. During this time Brendan has dedicated himself to working to better himself both academically and as a person. He works tirelessly throughout our sessions of two hours or more and with some luck he will take the first section of the GED before the end of the month.
He has also used this time to reflect on his actions, behaviors and the consequences of his behaviors. Again, I will not speak for Brendan but I can attest to a remarkable change in attitude and overall demeanor. He has developed some real coping mechanisms for dealing with frustration and anger. Not that this should matter or play into how we see him, but he has also lost about 65 pounds and little resembles the person we saw in that horrible video.
Brendan’s case can be an opportunity for our community to come together to improve our schools, expand our knowledge of people with autism and other disabilities and to make our community a safer place for all of us. My wife and I are now beginning our fourth year as residents of Flagler County and have never been happier. We continue to be amazed at the compassion of our new hometown. Brendan Depa is worthy of your empathy and compassion.
Gene Lopes, a Palm Coast resident and retired educator, was a special education teacher in New Jersey public schools from 1993 to 2022, and an adjunct professor at Kean University from 1999 to 2020. He continues to tutor Brendan Depa at the Flagler County jail.
Deirdre says
Thank you, I hope the court allows you to testify on Brendan’s behalf, you’re the one expert in this whole mess that wouldn’t have bias, and can better educate the people without knowledge of autism.
Breaks my heart that this kid has a serious disability but the people in charge of making legal decisions on his behalf apparently don’t understand this disability, which is what lead to the incident.
Without that aspect considered the videodoes look like a reason to lock him up, so I hope your knowledge keeps that from becoming a reality. I’m also glad to hear he is getting some services appropriate to his needs in jail, obviously he needs them.
Pat says
Maximum lest every kid with a disability can attack others with impunity. He has been violent multiple times in the past and told this woman he’d be back to kill her. To protect civilized society lock him up….otherwise maybe he should live with you and your family.
nunya says
im thinking the same thing pat, lets let these violent offenders live with all of these wonderful and caring “saviors” lol, wouldnt be long before your wife or daughter is in the same postition as the teacher. and to all of the people saying to excuse or go easy on this monster, then why not keep him away because if its “mental illness” then next time he does it youre going to say the same thing anyways. even more of a reason if he cant control it
Kat says
Thank you for not only taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with Brendan, but to also educate our community members as well. I would like to see both parties get the support and care they need to be their best possible selves– physically, intellectually, emotionally. You are correct, it does take a village. Brendan does not deserve to be incarcerated, I don’t know what the ultimate answer is, but we need to find an alternative.
Again says
Moving read, really.
Mike Kelley says
It takes a special person to help those in need. God Bless you.
Patti Fuller says
Thank you and bless you! It is such a blessing to have you in Brendan’s corner. He deserves to be treated as the disabled young man he is and not as a criminal. I pray that your years of experience will help convince the court that he does not belong in prison. The world needs more people like you and our country needs more places ( NOT PRISONS) for people like Brendan.
John Moreno says
Wonderfully written, heartfelt and informative writeup. Thank you sir for all you do and have done. As an old Rehabilitation Counselor I am impressed by your thoughtfulness, your attitude and kindness. Yes lets understand and empathize while all the while knowing the damage he has done to his victim his family and himself. He is a life worth saving .
Brian says
Excellent article. Thank you for sharing.
JC says
After reading the article, the person still deserves to do time in prison. As I stated earlier in a post a long time ago (with personal life experiences), autism is not an excuse to avoid jail time if someone did the crime.
Brian says
Like this guy? That didn’t. The Deputy was actually balled up on the floor talking more punishment UFC style. This kid and story disappeared off into the sunset like nothing ever happened. Quick to endorse incarceration, let some of these ex-cons move in next door to you after they get released so you can explain until the sun comes up how your personal life experiences out weight this young mans life and theirs.
https://flaglerlive.com/matanzas-head-butt/#gsc.tab=0
JC says
Yes, just like that guy. And anyone who committed a crime. Autism is overwhelming not an excuse to avoid your punishment for a crime.
Kendall says
But isn’t a failure of the adults tasked to care for autistic children to be trained properly a mitigating factor?
The legal document that outlines how he is to be treated was not followed by either of the professionals in that classroom.
JC says
Doesn’t matter. We have him on video heavily assaulting an human being. Don’t like the current law, talk to your State Rep and State Senator.
DaleL says
I have to agree that jail time is appropriate. In addition, he has three prior juvenile misdemeanor battery offenses. Our system is far from perfect, but changes, including more mental health services, should come through legislation.
Sanaa says
You are asking people that know nothing about Federal laws.
Federal laws were violated by both the county and the dedicated aide, which resulted in this unfortunate outcome.
Federal Law supersedes state law, his IEP/BIP/504…we’re all ignored. IDEA violations all around…were outrageous.
The county should have paid for Depa to be in a different school, but they were being cheap.
Naydich is not a teacher or a paraprofessional, she only had qualifications of a dedicated aide. Naydich had NO experience working with children of Depa’s diagnosis, didn’t know what signs to look for or anything.
Naydich was not certified and should never have been working with Depa. The school put her at risk, placing her with him…when she had no qualifications.
This school system needs to be investigated by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights. This will also help Naydich with any legal action she decides to take against the county.
William Stonehocker says
He had an IEP. The teacher made the mistake of having the Switch sent into school from the group home. It’s not Naydich’s fault she got attacked.
The thing is, Brendan did much better when he was homeschooled. The group home should’ve had him do his schoolwork online if they knew he could not handle the public school environment.
Mischa Gee says
Thank you for telling the facts.
Ms. Naydich was not innocent in this, she contributed to it occurring due to her lack of knowledge and skills in dealing with a SEVERELY autisti c child.
As you stated in another response, Naydich received an abundance of money through a go fund me page, she, was cleared to return to work two weeks after the incident, and was not a qualified para-professional at the time of the incident.
Brenden is more of a victim in this than anyone seems willing to admit. His size belies the Fact that he has the mind and understanding of a six year old, couple with the Fact that he is Black, living in a racist state. Anyone who thinks because he hit the woman that he really knows his own strength, never got hit by a very mad small child, never mind the Fact that Brenden is not small. This young man has spent a year in jail already, this along with some probation and his being placed in a secure home where he will be monitored, hopefully by trained professionals is the right thing to do for him.
William Stonehocker says
He was in a home. They were the same home who sent his Nintendo Switch into school at the teacher’s request.
Sanaa says
Listen, the IEP Team did NOT do their job, which is common because they are always quick to say the county doesn’t have the money.
They cut corners by:
-not placing Depa in a school more equipped to deal with his mental health impairments.
-not following his IEP.
-hiring a severely unqualified individual to work closely with him. Why didn’t Naydich know she had to read IEP. Once hired, she became a member of IEP team.
Now they have to pay even more taxpayers dollars to:
-pay Naydich, whom they obviously put at risk.
-pay the Depa family for all the federal/local violations related to Depa’s well documented disability over a 17 yr period by numerous medical professionals in multiple states.
-to house Depa in this jail and go through this court system.
This child-Depa can’t get through a regular school day on his own…how was he ever deemed mentally competent to stand trial?
What was the outcome of his manifestation hearing at school, which should have been held within 10 days of incident? Per Federal law they were required to have this Manifestation Hearing.
Again, why was a partial clip of Depa’s school footage released…but not the footage of the other two students that stabbed/assaulted their teachers, same school year.
The school official was also in violation by releasing this video.
This is what happens when these IEP Teams don’t do their jobs!!!
Brian says
Do you think Autism is the only problem he has? You tough on crime folks crack me up! Like it’s all about right and wrong. Brandon Depa is being used as a political pawn, along with the poor migrant kid in St. Johns county accused of contributing to the death of a deputy. “Back the Blue until it happens to you!” Go ahead Central Park Five yourself, one day its going to come back and bite you on the backside.
JC says
Once again it doesn’t matter. A crime was committed, and the court system already ruled that the defendant is able to stand for trail. If you don’t like the current laws, talk to your State Rep and State Senator.
There’s plenty of people here in Flagler County who agree with the defendant is going to be facing time, regardless of autism or not.
Again says
So can we go back and punish the COMMANDER that was stopped for being too drunk to drive after almost hitting a deputy already on a traffic stop? Oh no my bad good ol’ boys club swept that right under the rug and you can still see his name on Commander Reports. Bet you werent pushing to make him do jail time and he’s supposed to be the one upholding the law. Bunch of hypocrites im this town I swear.
Adna says
Obviously he knew how to assault the teacher. He knew what he was doing.
Hugh says
This article has made me realize his family and teachers can’t control his behavior, and they say he can’t control his behavior. (Per his IEP, three previous arrests, Baker Act, etc.).
If they think he is good to go, give him a second chance, then why does no one want him living in their home? Because he is unpredictably violent. He could easily kill someone. How will we protect his next victim? Because there will be another person he hurts physically.
William Stonehocker says
He has potential of not being violent. Also, he got racially profiled growing up and that’s why he became violent. I’m not a psychologist though.
Concerned community member says
Beautiful article! You said it all, that this county needs to improve on their special need classrooms. I mean get more educated. I hope and pray that this young man gets a chance in life and not go to prison.
Anonymous says
What a great story and you gave alot of people better insight. It seems these days that societies answer is to put a person in jail whether they have a mental disability or not. Funny how society does not want to address and or talk about mental health and how more times than not, is the root of the issue.
Anonymous says
In March I will be a paraprofessional for 18 years, working with special needs/ed children in elementary school. Nine of those years were spent with EBD children. I have received the very same physical treatment of which Mr. Lopes writes. So I’m in the unique position (along with others) to see both sides of the coin. Since this happened last February I have said repeatedly that the system failed Brendan and Ms Naydich paid the price. Change is needed but slow to happen.
I pray for both of them.
Bailey’s Mom says
Thank you for taking the time to give us some insight and information that was definitely missing and needed. I hope he gets a fair deal in court and that she continues to heal and to forgive as part of this process. We as a society must do better for all people, and especially those who need a little extra help .
Tom Donaghy says
Brendan still needs to be held responsible for his actions. Jail time is appropriate given the serious nature of his assault. If not then we will just give everyone a free pass on hurting others. Brendan may have had a lot of bad breaks and failures in the educational system but that doesn’t justify ignoring the consequences of his actions. Otherwise we are just looking at a lawless society where nobody is held accountable. That seems to be the direction that this country has moved towards. You can get away with whatever you want and blame someone or something else for your actions. No wonder this country has gone to hell.
Chris Conklin says
If the other teachers aren’t such cowards and ran away nobody would have gotten hurt the kid needs help I feel so bad for the teacher nobody deserves that but let’s not bury a kid and send them to the street to sell drugs and cause more problems my heart breaks for the teacher but my heart always breaks for the kid we need to do better as a society enough is enough if the other teachers don’t run away none of this would have happened and it’s right on video just a bunch of cowards my thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved but let’s give the kids another chance
Brian says
So, it all needs to start with Brenden Depa??? You’ve got to be kidding me. I guess school shooters are just playing laser tag to you? And January 6th was just cosplaying and paint ball drills. Typical.
Bob Schwiderski says
Gene, I am honored to call you a friend. The world will always be a better place with quality people like you showing us the way.
Land of no turn signals says says
Engaging,funny,smart,sensitive until the next time he snaps and maybe kills the next person.Yes he needs help and I hope he gets it after he does some time in jail.
Village member says
Gene- I have spent many years teaching incarcerated youth in alternative programs. I’ve also been following Brendan’s story. How can we, as a community, help? What help is needed to continue Brendan’s moving forward?
Concerned Citizen says
What help is being given to Ms. Naydich ?
How is the school system moving forward to protect Para Professionals and others? Against violent Special Needs students? Mr. Depa had a previous record. And somehow that fell thru the cracks.
Lorraine says
I stated this very same thing when I first read this story, that the teacher involved did not have the proper training and the knowledge to handle special needs students.
I do blame teacher in this case, as she knew these were special needs kids she was working with, and further she knew she did not have the proper training for the job.
So in my opinion she alone took the risk!
Concerned Citizen says
Where is all the concern for Ms. Naydich?
How are her recovery efforts progressing? Is the school system looking out for her? Quite a lack of concern from the community. And I noticed one commenter couldn’t help but blame Ms. Naydich for causing the vicious assault on her.
Better yet. How many other inmates in Staly’s custody are getting this level of attention. Why is Depa so different?
Sanaa says
Articles have disclosed that:
Naydich was medically cleared to return to work two weeks following the incident.
The school system transferred Naydich to an elementary school to work, which she continued through the end of that school year (May). During this period Naydich also worked on obtaining certifications previously needed to work with Depa.
Naydich received a significant amount of donations through gofundme and other sources, far exceeding her $18,000/yr salary (minimal because of no certifications/qualifications).
Naydich proceeded to file for Leave Without Pay in August following incident, due to all the donations received her salary was not needed. Since LWOP she is doing interviews, videos, and showing up to court for all of Depa’s court dates. There is no evidence of lasting injury.
William Stonehocker says
And to this day, we still give Naydich love for surviving the attack.
isaac says
Put him away. He has 3 previous arrests for assault. You guys just want to pretend its her fault because you know he is dangerous. Also no one took away his Nintendo Switch. Naydich merely texted another teacher mentioning how it was a distraction, that teach then asked him about it and he flew into a rage and attacked Naydich. No one actually confiscated his game. He still attacked her.
William Stonehocker says
She said that on her GoFundMe.
Skibum says
I read this article with interest and I think the author is sincere and doing the good work that is needed in a correctional environment, which is very important in order to get those who are incarcerated to learn the necessary skills so they have at least the opportunity to be responsible and productive citizens after they are released back into society. Having said that, I also think it is important for everyone to hear and consider one very important truth about human behavior, particularly the specific types of “good” behavior that the majority of incarcerated prisoners exhibit WHILE they are incarcerated. This needs to be said because in my almost 30 year career working in law enforcement and criminal justice, both on the streets and within a correctional setting dealing with a huge number of incarcerated AND released offenders, one of the most prevalent truths is that an individual’s behavior and demeaner while confined in a jail or prison facility in most cases is substantially different from that individual’s behavior and demeaner when not incarcerated. This is not speculation, it is reality. It is in many ways the same as our own behavior that is one way when we are in our comfort zones, in our own environment, with our own family or friends, as opposed to being in a strange place, or a stressful situation, or even for some, being behind the wheel of a car where many times a calm and sane person can become aggressive and do things they would not normally do. I do not know this Depa individual, and although I can sympathize with his situation, his disability and what he has had to deal with in his life, I believe this needs to be tempered with even more sympathy and concern for the people in society who have been victimized by criminal actions of others. Depa may be doing extremely well NOW while in a very controlled environment within the jail where practically everything is closely monitored, closely scheduled, and trained counselors and tutors are available and even in most cases listened to and obeyed by those who are incarcerated, because the primary motivation of MOST people in jail or in prison is to survive that experience however they need to behave in order to “do their time” and then get out of that confinement and back out into society, back to their comfort zones, back to their usual environment, routines, friends and associates in many cases. That is also very often what leads many of them back through the revolving door of the justice system, unfortunately. So while I commend Depa’s good progress report and the excellent work this tutor is doing, we should never forget that the extremely important NEXT steps in Depa’s journey to change his aggressiveness, his assaultive behavior, and his understanding of, and desire to address future stressors in a more mature and adult manner without the need to strike out and hurt others is still ahead of him. The ultimate goal of getting beyond his past violence and criminal acting out behavior is yet to be realized, so nobody should preconceive what is happening while Depa is in jail and think that this is a success story at this point in time.
Robert Joseph Fortier says
I have read every comment from others here, and then your (skibum) article comes up and totally allows a very different position on this young man good and bad actions. I am rooting for this kid and really, really hope he does work hard at recovery and does live a long and free life after he is releases from the jail.
I also agree that the article did a great job at illustrating his the “pros” of the young mans demeanor and attempts to turn his life around. But what he did still illustrates some severe issues that may take place in the future as well, regardless of treatment.
I wish him well.
Robert Joseph Fortier says
I have read every comment from others here, and then your (skibum) article comes up and totally allows a very different position on this young man good and bad actions. I am rooting for this kid and really, really hope he does work hard at recovery and does live a long and free life after he is releases from the jail.
I also agree that the article did a great job at illustrating his the “pros” of the young mans demeanor and attempts to turn his life around. But what he did still illustrates some severe issues that may take place in the future as well, regardless of treatment.
I wish him well.
Mischa Gee says
Brenden has spent enough time in jail while waiting for his trial. He has even conceded through I am sure his family attorney suggesting they can’t afford a long drawn out trial to plead to the case.
The judge should show compassion for this young man and have him sent to a facility or home for people with his type of disability, autism where he can continue under supervision to live a life as full as his handicap will allow.
Hopefully Mrs. Naydich has recovered or is continuing to recover from her physical injuries and has forgiven Brenden for his reaction to what happen that day. It would certainly help Brenden if she does forgive him and understands and admits what he did didn’t happen in a vacuum.
This young man has spent enough time in prison already. It is time for rehabilitation not continued incarceration and punishment. I hope the judge acts with compassion and understanding and places Brenden into a program that doesn’t include jail.
Michele says
Totally agree
William Stonehocker says
Brendan was living in a home, and it was called ECHO. Why they didn’t homeschool him there is anyone’s guess, knowing that he did very well in smaller settings.
William Stonehocker says
I have autism too, and I want to say this was a very moving story. A lot of love to Naydich.
Ano says
The article is insightful and explains alot about BD. However no educator should be physically attacked by a student regardless if the student was reprimanded in front of others or not or has autism. It is essentially victim blaming. Would you want to teach kids who may assault you if you try to discipline them? Not unless I had a weapon to protect myself. He needs to incarcerated and punished for his violent actions. His mother could have home schooled him.
William Stonehocker says
He was homeschooled at one point by his mother. He was doing well when he was homeschooled.
Incarceration will not do him or the victim any good. Besides, the prison system is not equipped to handle a guy like him.
The group home was so stupid by having him go to a public school knowing he wasn’t designed to go to one.
foolish says
Incarceration isn’t meant to do good to the criminals. It’s meant to protect society from them. We put these people in prison to protect their future victims. Do you think we put violent felons in prison to help them out? lol. No. We do it to help the rest of society, so that normal people don’t need to worry about being beaten half to death when someone like this goes crazy. The fact that you don’t understand this is a little disturbing. By your reasoning, we might as well turn all of the prisons out. It’s not doing any of the convicts any good, afterall.
William Stonehocker says
The one time when he was arrested in 2019, he was defending himself when some white people called him the n-word. Do people not care that he is black?
Missy says
Excellent article and I do think more training would have helped. However I believe Brendan should be held accountable and I do not object to prison. He is a threat when provoked and this could happen again.
William Stonehocker says
He was bullied growing up due to his race and disability. I’m not a psychologist though.
Also, I think the teacher was stupid to request the group home that his Nintendo Switch be sent into school knowing that something was bound to happen.
Gene Lopes says
I believe that it is important for me to apologize for one part of my story. I should not have used Ms. Buchanan’s name in my quest to advocate for Brendan. By mentioning her, I am implying that she is somehow a villain in this story. Nothing could be further from the truth. First I should say that Brendan truly cares for Ms. Buchanan. Brendan’s academic success has very little to do with the work I am doing with him now and mostly with the work that Ms. Buchanan did with him for more than a year and a half. Ms. Buchanan continues to be part of the solution here in Flagler County. She is a caring and dedicated teacher who serves our community in the best way possible – through our children. For many reasons, Ms. Buchanan cannot publicly defend her reputation, so it is my responsibility to clarify my statements. I am deeply sorry for any hurt I have put on her and her family.
William Stonehocker says
It’s okay.
Daisy says
A poem written by a mom of autistic twins :
Autism is
Unable to speak, or maybe speaking too much
Hugging everyone, or disliking touch
Escaping outside,
Or trying to hide
Excitedly flapping
Inappropriately clapping
Autism varies so much
Won’t wear a coat, or wears one all year round
Fussy eater, or would eat dirt from the ground
Screaming or humming
Annoyingly drumming
Toys in a line
The same way every time
Autism varies so much
Struggling to learn, or has wonderful gifts
Obsessions of numbers, trains, films or lifts
Spinning around
Throws things on the ground
Constantly spitting
Aggressively hitting
Autism varies so much
Alone without friends, or controls every game
Always looks different, always dresses the same
Swinging on doors
Head banging on floors
Freaks at the dryer
Keeps climbing higher
Autism varies so much.
Can’t answer questions, won’t do as their told
In their own world or bossy and bold
Over prepared
Anxious and scared
A spectrum so wide
But they all bring us pride
When autism touches our lives.
Written by Miriam Gwynne (solvingautism.com)