(UK) Scotland: 6yo with severe autism; 'eats the walls in his bedroom'; "there is no safe space to put him"
- Sep 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Sept 21, 2025, Express: 'My son eats the walls in his bedroom and destroys everything he sees'
Steven has severe autism and suffers from pica - an eating disorder which sees him eating inedible items
A desperate mum has nicknamed her son 'Wreck it Ralph' as she pleads for help with his rare condition that leads him to destroy their home and eat the walls of his bedroom. Leigh Murphy, 29, is constantly on guard with her six year old, Steven, to prevent him from consuming potentially harmful items around the house.
The young lad was diagnosed with severe autism and an unusual eating disorder called pica - which triggers cravings for non-edible objects - just four months ago. Steven's diet includes sand, mud, and even his bedroom walls, exposing dangerous electrical wires in the process.
Leigh and her husband, also named Steven, 28, are currently living in a privately rented property and have been begging North Lanarkshire council for the past three years to provide them with a council home that they can modify to create a safer environment for their son. They hope to install padding in his bedroom to prevent him from eating the plaster, fit a wet room and vents - ensuring he has air but cannot attempt to climb out.
Leigh, who cares for Steven in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, said: "It's horrendous - there is no safe space to put him.
"He destroys everything. He's so strong. He just knocks me over. It's terrifying. Where do we go from here? I'll walk in and he's got wires hanging out the wall." Steven's grandmother, Lesley McCrann, 48, noticed signs that Steven could be autistic when he was just one year old. Lesley, who is training to become a social worker, has experience working with autistic children.
She revealed: "I noticed his eye contact. He wouldn't look you in the eye."
Steven has been surrounded by a multidisciplinary team for the past five years, but it was only in May 2025 that he was officially diagnosed with autism, pica and intellectual disability due to waiting lists and referral delays.
Leigh made the decision to step back from her role as an A&E clinical support worker when Steven was four-and-a-half years old.
Lesley expressed: "He has no awareness of danger.
"You can't take your eye off him for a second.
"He's always eaten things he shouldn't have - at home, in the garden or at school.
"He just eats anything non-edible. . . .
Leigh remains at home with Steven, who cannot speak, except when Lesley is present to provide assistance - whilst her husband Steven works full-time as a lift installer.
Steven attends a special educational needs school (SEN) from 9am to 3pm but Leigh still feels "on edge" as she must ensure the house remains spotless with nothing left out that Steven could grab or bite. . . .
"His bedroom has got nothing in it because he wrecks things.
"He pulled a radiator right off the wall."
Leigh currently battles to get adequate rest as Steven's sleep routine can see him retire at 9pm but wake at 1am and remain awake until the following evening.
She hopes a new specially-adapted home for the family will allow her to rest knowing Steven is secure. . . .
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