(UK) Newcastle: Mother of severely autistic son fears violent attacks, seeks help
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
EVERYTIME Chantelle Connelly leaves the house with her son Leo Devlin, she fears she will return home without him.
For Leo regularly runs out into busy roads and even tries to jump in front of trains in a bid to harm himself.
The 31-year-old mum worries that the schoolboy, who is severely autistic, could be killed or seriously injure a member of the public if her local children’s service doesn’t intervene.
Chantelle, of Gosforth, Newcastle, said: “It is absolutely heart breaking to watch Leo attack himself, and in such obvious distress.
“I fear for his life, and I keep saying he will end up in a box if we don’t get help soon.
“I worry every day and every night. Every morning, I worry what mood he will be in.
Chantelle believes he lashes out due to his frustration at being unable to communicate.
“He attacks me and self-harms constantly. We are both in danger and I worry where it may end. He is so strong and I am constantly covered in cuts and bruises.
“He has moments where he is an absolute joy to be around, especially when we are outdoors. He’ll share his chocolate with me, and he is just a lovely, lovely boy.
“I want him to be safe, but more than that, I would just like him to feel happiness and to see him smile, run, jump and laugh, and have the lovely family experiences he deserves.”
Leo, who is non-verbal, was diagnosed with autism when he was just two years old, and his behaviour has become more challenging as he’s grown older.
Comments