Patton Boggs recently secured a victory on behalf of pro bono client Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy (EBCALA). An autistic child in a Texas public school was physically and illegally restrained and placed in a secluded room. When his mother arrived, the child was having trouble breathing and his mother had to perform the Heimlich maneuver on her son. The trauma resulted in the child’s esophagus swollen shut. His mother requested homebound services from the school district to allow her son to continue his education; however he was denied his right to a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE). Initially turned down from other organizations for legal help, the mother sought legal support from Warrior Parents, an organization founded by PB partner Jennifer Keefe that provides support to parents of autistic children, and EBCALA. After two mediations and a final, third and 11 hour mediation, PB settled on highly confidential but extremely favorable terms for the family, which will allow the family to pay for private education for the child. Integral to the success of this case were Patton Boggs attorneys Jennifer Keefe (Dallas) Albany Shaw (Dallas), Eric Daleo (NJ), Shannon Conway (Dallas), Matt Browne (Dallas), Karen Lahrman, Tony Trevino, Linda Jones and Annie Purcell.