Ms Geraldine Murphy:

I would like to bring up something about carers. When a child has autism, they are not cured of it at age 18. It is unfair that, since my young lad turned 18, every year just before Christmas my carer's allowance is reviewed. I am a single mom so I rely on it. I should not have to go to the doctor to get a letter stating that my son is not cured of autism. He is not cured of autism and will always be autistic. I am trying to get him to have an independent life. There are no adult services for him because he is mild and moderate. His younger brother is the same. He is coming up through the system and will turn 18 in January. We will have the same fight again. I am told by the team to contact my mental health service. Why come from a disability service and put kids in a mental health service? It makes no sense.