A MOTHER has attacked education chiefs for failing her son who has not been in school for 18 months due to his autism-like condition.

Karen Jones, 49, of Lochaber Road, Lewisham, says nine-year-old Charlie needs to be in school to help him with his social problems.

Charlie, who was taken out of Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, in October 2001, after being bullied, suffers from an autism-like condition called Asperger's syndrome.

He has now been out of school for 18 months because Lewisham Council has been unable to find him a place.

Mrs Jones said: "I feel disgusted. I want my son in school because he doesn't socialise very well and this is what he needs."

Asperger's syndrome involves similar problems to autism, including having difficulties getting on with other people and obsessive or repetitive behaviour.

The main difference with autism is children's speech and intelligence develop normally.

Three primary schools rejected Charlie and the council only provided him with a home tutor when his condition was diagnosed in May 2002.

Mrs Jones said: "We thought it was pointless to keep going to schools if they would refuse him. It was only when we found out he had the syndrome the local education authority was forced to provide home tutoring."

A spokesman for the council says a decision should be made this week on getting Charlie a school place when the case goes before a special needs panel.

April 29, 2003 12:00