(NEW YORK, NY) — On January 21, 2026, ECABWM filed a federal civil lawsuit on behalf of Anil Babbar and Shalini Babbar, as guardians of their autistic son, A.B., in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Anderson Center for Autism and two individual defendants named in the complaint, Garnet Collins and Nadine Thompson, who were employed by Anderson at all relevant times.

The complaint alleges that while A.B. was a resident in Anderson’s Chestnut House residential program, he was subjected to abuse, neglect, and disability-based mistreatment, and that Anderson failed to take appropriate action despite alleged warning signs and reports.

According to the complaint:

– A.B., an autistic young adult who requires round-the-clock care, lived in Anderson’s Chestnut House residence and attended school through Anderson’s education program;

– on August 11, 2024, A.B.’s mother received a message from a whistleblower reporting alleged abuse and including a video recorded on June 5, 2024, which was later featured on FOX5NY;

– in the video, staff member Garnet Collins grabbed A.B.’s genitals and dragged him into a bedroom; and

– the complaint further alleges that this conduct was part of a broader pattern, including alleged food deprivation, physical aggression toward residents, and a hostile environment for individuals with disabilities.

“As a mother, I will never forget the physical and sexual abuse my vulnerable, special-needs son endured at the hands of those entrusted to protect him. The acts were violent, deliberate, and deeply humiliating — a complete violation of his dignity. While the abuser is now behind bars, our fight is far from over. We will not rest until the Anderson Center for Autism is held fully accountable. We are fighting for justice for our son, and for every child who deserves safety, dignity, and true protection,” said Shalini Babbar, mother of A.B.

“Our son went to Anderson Center for Autism because we believed it was a place of safety, expertise, and care. Instead, we learned through a whistleblower’s video that he was subjected to sustained physical and sexual abuse in the very home that was supposed to protect him,” said Anil Babbar, father of A.B.

“The total lack of humanity in this case is appalling. This family trusted Anderson to take care of their son. Instead, he was abused and mistreated in ways no person should ever experience. We filed this lawsuit to seek justice for A.B. and to help ensure this never happens again,” said ECBAWM Partner Ilann M. Maazel.

“What happened to A.B. in this case is the shocking result of repeated and systematic failures by an institution whose purpose was to protect A.B. and others like him within their care. While A.B.’s disability may have allowed Anderson to cover up its misconduct in the past, we are proud to represent A.B.’s family in bringing the repeated abuse and neglect to light today, and ensuring Anderson is held fully accountable,” said ECBAWM attorney, Sara Estela.