Bexhill mum puts autism discrimination in the spotlight

A mother who has been discriminated against because of her autistic son is set to appear on national television to talk about her experiences.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Aug 2016, 13:13 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:17 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

SUS-160824-094302001SUS-160824-094302001
SUS-160824-094302001

A reporter from Channel 4 News got in touch with Jay Brewerton last week after reading a feature published in the Bexhill Observer back in February.

Back then Jay had spoken about the way she had been discriminated against by businesses and the public because of her seven-year-old son Isaias, who two forms of autism, including the rare Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Isaias senses sometimes become overwhelmed, leading to public ‘meltdowns’.

Because of these, Jay has been banned from the same fast food outlet twice, refused service in a cafe and asked to leave various shops.

On Monday, a film crew from Channel 4 news visited Jay and her family at their home in Haslam Cresent.

Jay said: “They wanted to follow Isaias around to see what it was like living with autism.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was really exciting working with the Channel 4 team and Isaias found it really exciting.”

Jay said the call from the Channel 4 newsroom had come as a surprise.

She said: “It came completely out the blue.

“They had seen the Observer article online.”

The Channel 4 News programme will feature a 10 minute segment on disability each night from the week beginning September 5.

Jay said: “They shot tonnes more footage than 10 minutes. They were here from early in the morning until about half past nine in the evening.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jay also spoke about the Bexhill branch of the National Autistic Society, which has been a great support to her.

Other NAS members were also interviewed.

Jay said: “The hope is to raise awareness of autism locally and nationally and raise awareness of groups like the Bexhill NAS.

“The peer groups have been invaluable in supporting me.”

* Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

1) Make our website your homepage at www.bexhillobserver.net/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bexhillobserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @BexhillObs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Bexhill Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:BexhillChannel 4FacebookTwitter