Center for autistic children probed over child abuse reports

Classes at a center for autistic children in Beijing have been suspended after surveillance footage showed teachers physically abusing the students.

Two teachers at the Senxi Education center in Changping district have been fired due to "grave errors" and another are expected to follow after the police finish their investigation, the person in charge of the center, surnamed Han, told the Beijing News.

Footage from classroom surveillance cameras was made public last week at the request of parents after they found bruises on their children's bodies, according to the report.

The video shows one teacher forcing a child to squat by pressing a hand on the child's head and another teacher dragging a child around using a rope.

After watching the footage, parents reported the matter to the police and classes were suspended.

According to Senxi's website, it is a research institute that applies brain science research in its education practices for autistic children. The center enrolls children aged 2 to 6 with impaired perception and coordination abilities.

A teacher at the school told Beijing News that 10 of the 41 students have been removed from classes since the footage was released.

Han said the center would reflect on existing problems.

Li Lei contributed to this story