The Constant Spring police are investigating reports that a man severely beat his seven-year-old autistic stepson because he could not tell him where he had placed a key. A neighbour who tried to go to the child's rescue, was also reportedly beaten.

The incident allegedly happened last Saturday.

Autism is a brain development disorder which usually causes affected persons to suffer from impaired social interaction and communication, and withdrawn and repetitive behaviour.

THE STAR has learnt that the boy, whose disorder causes him to behave and act like a three-year-old, misplaced a key at the home. The stepfather reportedly asked the boy for the key and when he was unable to answer, he began to kick, punch and slap the boy all over his body. The child reportedly received blows to his face, arm and back.

Beat neighbour

A neighbour who heard the child's cries and is aware of his condition intervened and asked the accused to stop the beating. It is alleged, however, that the man instead turned his wrath on the neighbour, hitting her with a shovel. She was reportedly hit many times in the head with the shovel, causing large, exposed wounds.

Both the child and neighbour were taken to the doctor for examination.