Falmouth 7-year-old avoids assault charges

This article from today's Cape Cod Times is about a first grader who allegedly attacked two of his teachers. According to local police, the boy grabbed one of his teachers by the hair, pulling her to the ground, and punched another in the face. He will not face criminal charges, however; his parents say that he has been diagnosed as autistic (school officials refuse to acknowledge this diagnosis). The debate now is where to send the boy for school, since it is obvious that he needs special attention with regards to his behavioral and emotional issues -- whether or not he is indeed diagnosed autistic. Another "big picture" issue that this article brings up is how to handle issues of this kind with children. Is it really appropriate to charge a 7-year-old with assault and battery?