A lifelong condition
AUTISM is a disorder that affects how a person sees the world. Everyone who has it is different, but autistic people typically find it hard to:
■■Tell others what they are feeling and what they need;
■■Meet other people and make new friends;
■■Understand how others feel and what they are thinking.
Experts say more than one person in every 100 has some
gives Antony and Tracy muchneeded respite care one night a week – but the couple say that help “went out the window” after the pandemic started.
Zac also attends St Andrew’s Academy five days a week which usually leaves time for the couple to do jobs like shopping.
But the couple said extra help from their social worker at The Light House has been “a godsend”.
Tracy said: “We can’t thank the social worker enough, without her I don’t want to think about where we’d be.
“She sorted out some help so Zac can go there on a Monday for a few hours now.
“She was very worried about how we were coping. Even I have been struggling and I’ve had a few moments when I thought I don’t know how I will cope.”
The couple are hoping Zac will be able to return to school parttime in June.
But Antony said: “This lockdown form of autism, but the severity of the condition and its effects vary widely.
No one knows what causes it. Doctors and psychologists stress to parents of children affected that it is not their fault.
Autism is a lifelong condition. Some people affected by it will live fairly independent lives, while others will have learning difficulties that require constant specialist support.
has been myself and my wife against the system with no help.
“It upsets you because we feel like we are stuck but we’re not the sort of people to kick up a fuss.
“We are too worn out and tired all the time.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We recognise the vital role unpaid carers are playing at this time.
“Schools have remained open to vulnerable children, including those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND), and where attendance is not suitable we are supporting parents at home, with additional funding of £37 million to support families of disabled children and online learning resources aimed at children with SEND.
“Councils are also receiving an additional £3.2 billion to manage any additional pressures arising from the coronavirus outbreak, including within children’s social care.”