Single mother with two children, both of whom have severe autism spectrum disorder

I am seeking help, support, and advice for a friend. I’ve tried searching for information but haven’t found much.

My friend is a single mother with two children, both of whom have severe autism spectrum disorder. Her son is 10 years old, very heavy, and has epilepsy. Due to his medication and health condition, he struggles to walk in a straight line in public and often sits down and refuses to walk. Her daughter, who is 9, also has severe autism but is very energetic and tends to run off in public, leaving her mother with one child who refuses to walk and another who runs off.

The children recently started school after waiting over two years because no school was willing to take them due to their severe autism. The family is currently in temporary accommodation outside their borough, in an area where the mother has no friends or family for support. She has expressed feeling exhausted, isolated, and alone. Unfortunately, social services have told her that there isn’t anything they can do to help.

I’m concerned about her well-being and want to help before she reaches a breaking point. Are there any support groups that could provide information, resources, or advice for families with children who have severe autism? Specifically, I’m interested in knowing about the rights of children with severe autism and the rights of carers. Additionally, are there any respite care facilities or programs that could give this mother a much-needed break?

Best Regards, 

Pat