Concern For Autistic Teenager

A lack of specialist schools means a Glenrothes youngster with autism is effectively stranded in England.

That's the claim from Tianze Ni's parents Nina and Clinton, who say Fife Council's social services have "given up" on their son.

Tianze was sent to a Middlesborough hospital for assessments after a violent downturn in his moods at Struan School in Alloa, but is still there months later.

Nina says her son is homesick, but isn't allowed anything to comfort him.

Dougie Dunlop, Head of Service at Fife Council, said: 

"We never share the detail of individual cases, but young people such as Tianze have particular care and medical needs which requires a very specialist service.

"Wherever possible, we will always try and arrange care for young people as close to the family home as we can.

"However, where there are very particular needs this can mean that it's not always possible.

"At times where there are complex issues, legal processes have to be followed before we can put any care arrangements into place.

"The most important thing in these circumstances is that any young person is cared for in the place best able to meet their needs. When a family has to travel a distance, we will always provide financial assistance to help them."