South Pasadena doctor apologizes for yelling at child with autism

A South Pasadena ophthalmologist apologized after a video surfaced showing him yelling at a 7-year-old child with autism who was jumping around a waiting room, CBS News Los Angeles reported.

The video captured Dr. Raghu Murthy entering the speech pathologist's office above his practice and berating the child's grandmother, Aracely Beltran, for the child's behavior. Beltran said her grandson is nonverbal and that movement helps him regulate his nervous system.

Dr. Murthy explained that the child's jumping lasted about 20 minutes and nearly caused another patient to lose their eyesight. He said his outburst was due to frustration and concern for patient safety, noting he had already asked assistants to address the situation.

Murthy acknowledged his behavior was rude and immature and expressed regret, saying, "I can't take that back. I can tell you I'm truly sorry." His office has since received alarming threats following the incident.