Children placed in emergency care over lack of respite services

Julie Tipping told BBC News NI she had been fighting to get more help and support for her 11-year-old son, Theo.

“I love him with all my heart but it’s so hard to watch,” she said.

“He’s quite a big boy, but when he’s really distressed like that and lashing out, it’s sore.

“He can really hurt you, not meaning to, of course, and there is a real fear about where this is going.”

Responsibility for Theo’s care falls to the Belfast Health Trust.

In a statement, a spokesperson says it is very sorry that it is unable to offer overnight breaks, but that the trust is currently exploring ways of reintroducing them.

It added that it does all it can to provide support for autistic children.