A concerned mother has revealed that her six-year-old son has been chewing through his bedroom walls, causing his family to fear for his safety due to exposed live wires.
Little Steven Murphy, affectionately nicknamed ‘Wreck-it Ralph’ by his family, has been causing chaos in their private rental home located in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, Scotland.
In May, the young boy was diagnosed with severe autism along with ‘pica’, an eating disorder that leads individuals to consume non-food materials.
“It’s horrendous – there is no safe space to put him,” his mother, Leigh Murphy, stated. “He destroys everything. He’s so strong. He just knocks me over.”
The 29-year-old describes their home life as ‘terrifying’, leaving her uncertain about the best course of action.
She elaborated: “I’ll walk in and he’s got wires hanging out the wall.”
She is urging North Lanarkshire Council to find them a council-owned property that can be adapted for Steven’s specific needs, as he tends to eat anything from sand and mud to plaster and carpet.
Despite their efforts to secure a suitable council home over the past three years, Leigh and her partner, 28-year-old Steven Murphy, have been informed by the authorities that there are currently no available properties that meet their requirements.
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “We understand the family’s situation and are working closely with social work colleagues to support their needs.
“The type of property required, an adaptable bungalow in Cumbernauld, is in very short supply, and most homes in the area are owned by housing associations rather than the council.
“We currently have no suitable council housing available but, with the family’s agreement, we are engaged with our partner landlords to explore every option. While this is being treated as a priority, finding the right property may take time.”
Meanwhile, the family of four continues to reside in their three-bedroom, two-storey private rental.
Steven’s grandmother, Lesley McCrann, 48, has scaled back her work as an emergency room clinical support worker to assist with her grandson’s care.
“He has no awareness of danger,” she noted. “You can’t take your eye off him for a second. He’s always eaten things he shouldn’t have – at home, in the garden or at school.”
She believes that because of his eating disorder, his ‘life is in danger’, as he has chewed through his bedroom walls to access live wires.
Leigh also revealed that her six-year-old son eats his own feces.
“He eats the carpet, his own poo,” she said. “He constantly has a husky throat. You can’t turn your back for a second.”
Discussing what having an adaptable council home would mean, Leigh emphasized the impact it could have on their lives. A Change.org petition has been launched to aid their cause.
“Just to know he’s going into his room and it’s a safe space will mean I can sleep,” she expressed. “For once in six years I’ll be able to take a breath and know he’s OK.”
She added: “Steven is so happy even when he’s making a mess. He’s such a loving wee boy.”