Autism campaigner Lesley Henderson asks David Cameron for help

Apr 3 2011 by Joanne Butcher, Sunday Sun

DETERMINED mum Lesley Henderson today calls on the Government to help those living with autism – after she was attacked by her own SON who has the condition.

Lesley has campaigned tirelessly for autism causes, setting up the Toby Henderson Trust in her autistic son’s name.

Toby’s behaviour was more manageable in his younger years, but she was left traumatised when the 17-year-old assaulted her during a family food shopping trip.

It shows just what a disturbing effect the condition can have and has convinced Lesley to renew her call for action.

And today she has penned an open letter to Prime Minister David Cameron via the pages of the Sunday Sun, asking for more support for those living with the day-to-day struggles of an autistic child.

Speaking of the moment 6ft tall, 12-stone Toby attacked her, the 53-year-old said: “We went on a seemingly innocent family food shopping trip.

“As we entered the store, I felt a sharp blow around the back of my head.

“I tried to reassure Toby with the familiar words, ‘first Asda, then McDonalds’, and it seemed to work.

“But as we ventured further, Toby’s attack became more frenzied.

“With no one there but me I had to just brace myself against the trolley, put my head down and try to shield myself from the blows until they subsided.

“It was horrific. And the whole world of Saturday family shopping just drove their trolleys around us and pretended nothing was happening.”

Lesley, who founded the Toby Henderson Trust Autism Centre in Stannington, Northumberland, a decade ago, remains committed to raising awareness of the much-misunderstood condition.

She says there is still a lack of practical help for young people like Toby, who is the youngest of three brothers.

“Toby’s Trust was founded and created because 10 years ago there was very little support available.

“Things have improved since then, but with the current economic climate and all of the cuts being levied by the Government, this support is being whittled away and there has been a huge effect on the respite services offered.

“Yet both David Cameron and George Osborne have said they are committed to supporting the most vulnerable in society.”

Lesley added: “Toby’s teenage years have heralded a very troubled time for the family.