Featured Image Credit: SWNS
Topics: Parenting, Scotland, Mental Health
Joe Yates
A desperate mom has shared how her six-year-old son has been gnawing through his bedroom walls, leaving his family worrying for his life as he exposes live wires.
Young Steven Murphy, who has been dubbed 'Wreck-it Ralph' by his parents, has been eating his way through the family home - a private rental property in the small Scottish town of Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire.
Back in May of this year, the schoolboy was diagnosed with severe autism and it was found he also had an unusual eating disorder known as 'pica', which sees those living with it consume large quantities of material that is often not a food source.
"It's horrendous - there is no safe space to put him," his mom, Leigh Murphy, explained. "He destroys everything. He's so strong. He just knocks me over."
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The 29-year-old has dubbed home life as 'terrifying', leaving her questioning what the best thing to do is.
She explained: "I'll walk in and he's got wires hanging out the wall."
She is now calling on North Lanarkshire Council to help place them in a council-owned property, which they can tailor to meet Steven's needs - who will eat anything from sand and mud, to plaster and carpet.
However, despite fighting for an adequate council home to live in for the last three years, the youngster's parents, Leigh and 28-year-old Steven Murphy, have been told by the authority that there is currently nothing available that would satisfy their needs.
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.”
For now, the family-of-four must remain in their three-bed, two-storey, private let.
Steven's grandma, 48-year-old Lesley McCrann, has taken a step back from work as an emergency room clinical support worker herself to help support her grandson.
"He has no awareness of danger," she shared. "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 due to his eating disorder, his 'life is in danger' with the boy having eaten his way through his bedroom walls to reach live wires.
While mom Leigh shared how the six-year-old even eats his own faeces.
"He eats the carpet, his own poo," she added. "He constantly has a husky throat. You can't turn your back for a second."
As for what it would mean to the Murphys if they were granted a council home they could adapt - in which they have a Change.org petition running to help with their efforts - Leigh explained she could finally get a full night's rest.
"Just to know he's going into his room and it's a safe space will mean I can sleep," she said. "For once in six years I'll be able to take a breathe and know he's OK."
Adding: "Steven is so happy even when he's making a mess. He's such a loving wee boy."