more of a teaching moment or is this something that really needs discipline, and is that discipline then going to change the behavior? 

Related coverage from award-winning Investigative Reporter Andy Pierrotti

Fayette County Schools Superintendent Jonathan Patterson declined multiple interview requests for this story but called Atlanta News First Investigative Reporter Andy Pierrotti to share a statement. Patterson declined to answer questions on the call.

 We just want to recognize that these things are difficult,  Patterson said.  We have parents who are very happy with what's going on and we have parents that aren't. And so we try to work through those individually. 

Patterson added that the district remains committed to working through disagreements with families.

 We're committed to meeting parents to try to work through these challenging situations that maybe we agree on, that maybe we don't agree on, but we're committed to keep coming back to the table and trying to resolve those things,  he said.

Patterson did not directly address the sandwich incident.

Medina said the cumulative effect of the disciplinary actions has taken a toll on John.

 I think he feels like he's a bad kid,  she said.  There were definitely times when he would come home and say  I'm a bad kid' and that's really hard to hear as a mom. 

She said the district could have prevented some of John's behavior had school officials followed his individualized education program, or IEP, which included accommodations such as taking him on short walks when he is overstimulated.

Medina said she shared the family's experience to help other parents of children with disabilities facing similar issues. John enters second grade in August.

This is not the first time a parent has accused Fayette County Schools of inappropriately disciplining a student with disabilities. For more on the Special Circumstances series, visit AtlantaNewsFirst.com/investigates.

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