(UK) Burnley: Autistic 10yo is violent due to lack of SPED support

Aug 20, 2025, Burnley Express: My autistic son is violent towards me due to a lack of SEND support, says Burnley mum

https://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/people/my-autistic-son-is-violent-towards-me-due-to-a-lack-of-send-support-says-burnley-mum-5281012 

N. England

Joanne Morris claims her 10-year-old son, who is non-verbal and has Autism Spectrum Disorder, became frustrated and "severely violent" towards her because of inappropriate SEND provisions and the use of restraints at school. CCTV also shows a respite carer physically pulling him down the street, which has compounded his trauma, according to Joanne.

The mum-of-four says her child's Education, Health, and Care Plan is "not fit for purpose" as it claims he needs one-to-one management, which she believes is unsuitable because of his violent behaviour.

"He was coming home and attacking me. He's broken my spine, broken my hand, taken half my hair out," she said.

The youngster is "terrified" to go to school and has been out for nearly two years due to severe anxiety and sensory overload, revealed Joanne. The mum, who has Borderline Personality Disorder, has seen her mental health plummet due to their situation.

Joanne claims her child’s sensory assessment was cancelled at the last minute because Lancashire County Council failed to pay the provider despite previously confirming funding and appointment arrangements. She says the "failure adds to a long pattern of unmet needs, broken promises, and financial strain."

The council assigned her son a named social worker in October, but he has received no education since then. Joanne says this breaches section 19 of the Education Act 1996. By law, the county council is responsible for arranging alternative provision for a child who cannot attend school due to a physical or mental health need and cannot access suitable full-time education.

The mum claims her son has had no therapeutic, trauma-informed, sensory, or communication support through health or social care, despite his complex needs and complaining more than 50 times over the past five years.

"I am exhausted, financially broken, and rapidly losing the ability to manage this unsupported crisis. I cannot afford to eat, let alone pay court costs to challenge the damage that has been caused to my child by education and care services. This should never have been left to reach this point - and it cannot be allowed to continue."

Joanne calls for an investigation into the council's handling of the case, as well as emergency funding to purchase sensory and communication tools, a wet room to make hydrotherapy private and safe, and therapeutic support for her child.

County Coun. Matthew Salter, LCC's cabinet member for Education and Skills, said: "We are working with this family to find a solution that best meets the child's needs.

"As a council, we are committed to making sure every child in Lancashire receives the education and support they need.

"We know services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities have not been good enough, and we have introduced a range of improvements, with more being implemented throughout the year to support children to access the best education possible.

"If a child's Education, Health, and Care Plan does not accurately reflect their current needs, we would encourage parents and guardians to request an annual review.

"We are committed to working collaboratively with families to ensure that EHCPs are up-to-date and that they provide a clear and accurate picture of the child's needs and the support required."