A CROFT mum is calling on the public to paws for thought after launching a campaign to raise funds for an autism therapy dog for her 11-year-old son.
Mum-of-three Brandy Miller has bravely revealed what life is like living with a child with autism in a bid to shine a light on the 'hidden disability'.
Despite judgemental looks in the street and critical comments from strangers, the family live by the mantra 'autism is awesome' to try to dispel myths around the condition following Ben’s diagnosis.
She said: "It's really hard at times being an autism parent as it's a hidden disability.
"People are not understanding a lot of the time because your child does not look disabled.
"They are seen as able and just badly behaved.
"I had had so many looks and tuts from people that I just ignore them now.
"The most horrendous moment I’ve ever had was in London when Ben was almost four.
"He was on a wrist lead, and I had a young man accuse me of child abuse because I was treating my child like an animal.
"It was very scary and upsetting to say the least. I had to defend myself to a complete stranger that my child had autism and he was leashed to me for his own safety."
The family have always been open about Ben's autism but they now hope their honesty will inspire others to help their cause.
Ben, who attends Green Lane School, struggles with anxiety and stress which has caused him to self-harm in the past.
He has scars up and down his arms where he has scratched and picked himself and he fidgets to the point where he destroys furniture and chews holes in his clothes.
Research has proven that an autism dog can help children and young people with autism but they cost £7,500.
Brandy added: "Ben is not eligible for a blue badge because he does not meet the requirements as he can walk the distance asked without an aid.
"But he cannot walk safely as he has no sense of danger or his surroundings.
"This is one of the big reasons we are looking for a therapy dog.
"Having a trained service dog will allow him more independence and will help him learn through play and training how to socialise and express himself."
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