West Palm Beach, Florida — A Florida behavioral therapist has been arrested and charged with child abuse following allegations that he struck a nonverbal child with autism during a therapy session, according to local authorities.
Police say the incident occurred in February 2026 at Maximum Achievers, a therapy center located in West Palm Beach. The therapist, Reylan Cortes-Garnier, 28, was working as a registered behavior technician at the time.
According to cbs12.com, surveillance video from inside the facility allegedly shows Cortes-Garnier striking a young boy with his shoe during a scheduled therapy appointment. The child is reported to be nonverbal and diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
The boy’s mother became concerned after noticing unusual bruising and behavioral distress following the session. Authorities say she requested access to surveillance footage, which allegedly revealed the incident. After reviewing the video, law enforcement launched an investigation that led to the therapist’s arrest.
Cortes-Garnier has been charged with felony child abuse. During his initial court appearance, a judge set bond at $7,500 and ordered that he have no contact with the alleged victim. The case remains under active investigation.
Maximum Achievers has not publicly detailed its internal response but is reportedly cooperating with authorities. The child’s family has called for accountability and stricter oversight of therapy providers who work with vulnerable children.
Child advocates say the case highlights the importance of transparency, staff screening, and monitoring in facilities that serve children with special needs.
The therapist is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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