Parents of autistic boy settle claim

A couple who contended they were forced to spend $100,000 in gifts on school employees to ensure proper care for their autistic son have settled a claim against the Irvine Unified School District, according to a district spokesman and the family’s attorney.

Neither side would disclose terms of the settlement, which must be approved by the school board.

“The family is pleased,” said attorney Paul M. Roberts, who represents parents Thomas and Liya Lin. “Any claims against the school district have been resolved.”

District spokesman Ian Hanigan said the district would spend an unspecified sum on the child’s education and that the family had dropped allegations about improper gifts. No employees were disciplined, he added.

According to a Nov. 2 claim against the district, the Irvine couple said they were forced to shower employees at Canyon View Elementary School with diamonds, Coach bags, Chanel perfume and other extravagant gifts to make sure the boy, now 7, received proper schooling.

seema.mehta@latimes.com