www.aspie-editorial.com

 

Ten-year-old Caleb Ward, of Linby Road, suffers from Fragile X Syndrome, which is the most common genetic cause of autism. It means he gets anxious, struggles to interact socially and has difficulties in forming relationships with others.

 

But since being suspended for five days on two occasions in June and July — amid claims he charged at teachers — he has been out of the educational system.

 

The school’s head teacher, Pat Snowdon, and Notts County Council, have rubbished this, saying a place is available for Caleb. He has also been offered a spot at the Carlton Digby Special School in Mapperley.

 

“He was doing really well,” said Nichola, who has three other children — Trinity (eight), Lucas (five) and Bay (two), who also has Fragile X.

 

“As far as we were concerned, he was experiencing breakthroughs. He was starting to play with other children and write words for the first time. But we were called into the school because Caleb had started to become more aggressive.

 

“He was suspended twice and then we had to pick him up every lunchtime.”

 

 

“Caleb’s parents, however, have expressed a preference to move their son to a special school and have therefore not allowed him to return to school for the term that began in September.