Milton Therapist Charged with Assaulting Two Children with Autism

Based on coverage from Global News, Castanet, Toronto Sun, InSauga, The Peterborough Examiner, and CityNews Toronto.

Halton Regional Police say a therapist who worked with children with autism in Milton, Ont., has been arrested and charged in connection with alleged assaults involving two children.

Police allege the incidents happened during recent therapy sessions when the children were alone with the accused. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Halton police lay eight assault charges

Halton police say Muaz Sarfraz, 25, of Mississauga, was arrested Tuesday after an investigation into a complaint involving a therapist at Spectacokids.

Sarfraz is charged with six counts of assault, one count of assault with a weapon, and one count of assault causing bodily harm, according to police. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Milton Spectacokids location central to allegations

Investigators say the complaint involved the Milton location of Spectacokids on Bronte Street South. Police describe Spectacokids as a provider of behaviour, speech, and occupational therapy services.

Police allege the offences occurred at that Bronte Street South site during therapy sessions. They say two victims were identified during the investigation, and both are children with autism.

Children with autism allegedly alone during sessions

A key detail in police statements is that the alleged incidents happened while the children were alone with the therapist during sessions. That detail is likely to land hard with many parents, especially families who rely on specialized supports and often have limited options close to home.

Police have not publicly described the alleged assaults beyond the charges laid, and they have not released the names or ages of the children.

Child abuse and sexual assault unit led probe

Halton police say their child abuse and sexual assault unit conducted the investigation that led to the eight charges.

Police also say they believe there may be additional victims. Because of that concern, investigators have released a photo of Sarfraz and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Halton police, or to provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

What ABA therapy is and why it matters

Applied Behaviour Analysis, often called ABA, is widely used to support children with autism and other developmental needs. It’s typically delivered in structured sessions that can happen in a clinic setting or at home, and it often involves one-on-one work.

That one-on-one format can be helpful for individualized support, but it also means families place a lot of trust in providers and in the safeguards of the organizations offering therapy. This case is likely to raise fresh questions for some parents about supervision, reporting processes, and what oversight looks like day to day in private therapy settings.

The next immediate step in the case is the bail process, followed by court proceedings where the allegations will be tested.

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