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CONROE, Texas — A Texas mother says her 5-year-old son with autism was left upset after an incident during a Little League baseball game in Conroe, prompting an ongoing investigation by league officials.
Lety Paz describes herself as a devoted parent who prioritizes supporting her children. Her son, Christopher, who has autism, has been thriving in school, she said, and recently joined a Conroe Little League team to participate in extracurricular activities.
“I wanted him to be part of a normal sports life,” Paz said.
Because her son sometimes needs additional support, Paz said the league allowed her to serve as a team manager, granting her access to the dugout during games.
She said Christopher initially struggled but quickly began enjoying the experience.
“He was out there running and laughing and playing,” Paz said.
The situation changed during the final minutes of a recent game, according to Paz. She said a league board member questioned why multiple adults were in the dugout and demanded that some leave.
Another parent recorded part of the incident, Paz said.
Paz identified the board member as Danna Lasker, alleging that her explanation about her son’s needs was dismissed.
“We were trying to explain … I was there as a team manager for my son,” Paz said. “She didn’t want to hear it.”
Paz said the encounter left her feeling saddened and concerned about how children with disabilities are treated.
“I never thought this would happen to him,” she said. “They are little kids playing, and she ruined it.”
Paz said she is now advocating to ensure other children with disabilities and their families do not experience similar situations. Paz added that following the incident, she and several other parents have decided to remove their children from the league.
Attempts to reach Lasker for comment were unsuccessful.
The president of the Conroe Little League organization said the board is investigating the incident and will determine whether any disciplinary action or policy changes are necessary once the review is complete.