THE MOTHER of a little boy with autism has hit out at the council for not providing schools for autistic children in Wrexham borough.

Debbie Gavan-Castle has been fighting to raise awareness of autism which affects her 10-year-old son James.

Speaking about living with the disability, which means James will always need a carer, Debbie, of Westminster Road, Moss, said her son has recently started at Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn in Denbigh, a regional centre for autism in the area.

But the change of school from Westwood School in Buckley to Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn has been difficult for James who has been refusing to get into a taxi to go to school.

“It is an hour journey which is quite long for him and there is no other school in Wrexham with provision for autistic children,” said 37-year-old Debbie.

“Wrexham wants city status and yet it doesn’t provide for this.”
Debbie and husband Andrew want to raise awareness about what autism is after facing a daily battle to keep James safe.

Autism is a life-long developmental disability that prevents individuals from properly understanding what they see, hear and otherwise sense.

This results in problems with social relationships, communication, and behaviour.
James has mild to moderate autism and struggles to understand things a normal boy his age would.

He has no safety awareness and would not understand the consequences of his actions.

Speaking about it, Debbie said: “It is like an invisible disability because people would not recognise autism.

“It’s hurtful when James acts up and people stare.”

Now Debbie is gearing up for the Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 16 with all proceeds going to the National Autistic Society. She added: “I am running to raise vital funds but also to raise awareness of autism and change people’s perceptions.”

If you can help sponsor Debbie go to www.justgiving.com/debbie-gavan-castle.