A registered behavioral technician at Soar Autism Center in Peoria was arrested Monday after surveillace video showed him kicking a 5-year-old non-verbal child in the face. Adolfo Salas now faces child abuse and aggravated assault charges, and the case has reignited scrutiny of safety protocols at facilities serving vulnerable children. The footage, obtained by authorities, captured the entire incident and became the only record of what happened to a child who cannot communicate what he endured.

Adolfo Salas's kick to the face and his disputed claim of accident

According to the FOX 10 report, the surveillance video shows Salas instructing the boy to pick up trash from the floor. Moments later, Salas lifts a trash can and kicks the child in the face with his right foot. The child immediately began to cry and suffered facial bruising. In court, Deputy County Attorney Ashley Stetson said the kick was not accidental, contradicting Salas's claim to another employee that he had accidentally kicked the child. Stetson emphasized the crucial role of the video: 'Had there not been that recording, there would be no one to advocate for this child, for the child cannot communicate.'

Former employee's warning about inadequate staff support at the center

A former employee of Soar Autism Center, who worked closely with the victim, spoke to FOX 10 on condition of anonymity . she revealed that she had previously warned management about insufficient staff support. 'While I am shocked by who was involved, I can only assume he felt overwhelmed and without adequate support,' she said . 'I do not condone Mr. Salas's actions, but I fully understand the frustration that can build when working long, intensive hours with a high-behavior client without proper backing from leadership.' Her comments point to a systemic issue at the facility, where high-stress environments and a lack of resources can lead to tragic outcomes, as the report notes.

What Soar Autism Center has not disclosed about Salas's employment status

As of the latest reports, the center has not responded to inquiries about whether Salas is still employed there. The silence leaves families and the public in the dark about what internal actions, if any, have been taken. The case also raises the question of whether the center's management was aware of any prior incidents or complaints involving Salas. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and Salas remains in custody.

Why the community is demanding stricter oversight for special needs facilities

In the wake of the arrest, the community is calling for tighter regulation of facilities that care for children with autism and other special needs. The incident at Soar Autism Center is not isolated — similar cases across the country have highlighted how vulnerable chidlren rely entirely on the professionalism of their caregivers. Without mandatory video surveillance or regular independent inspections, the risk of abuse may go undetected.. The report underscores that for non-verbal children, the absence of a witness like a camera can leave abuse invisible.