Deputies say teacher's assistant slapped student

DELTONA, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A teacher's assistant is accused of slapping a special needs student. The alleged abuse is said to have happened at Deltona High School. 

According to the police report, the student is a non-verbal 16-year old with both down syndrome and autism.  

Patricia Reynolds in now charged with child abuse after the Volusia County Sheriff's Office says she slapped the teenager in the face while changing his diaper on Monday. Reynolds has worked at the school since 2016.

According to an incident report, the boy's teacher saw Reynolds slap his face while changing him in the bathroom.  Reynolds then allegedly told the teacher, "I'm sorry. I lost my temper."

When deputies went to Reynolds' home, they say she confirmed the incident and then showed deputies several bruises on her arm and a swollen finger -- injuries she said she sustained from an altercation she had with the student. 

Reynolds now on paid leave as the investigation continues.