THE mother of a severely autistic child claims there will be a “lost generation” of children if they are not provided with an adequate education and support.

Joanna Dilley’s son Ronnie, 11, is only allowed two-and-a-half hours a day attendance at Pioneer special needs school in Basildon because his behaviour has deteriorated to the point he has become aggressive to other children and staff.

A child psychiatrist has recommended he be moved to another school for a fresh start but that has been denied.

Ms Dilley, 35, of Bromford’s Drive, Wickford, said: “He has been lashing out at staff and pupils and broke a window. He’s been on a reduced timetable for two years now.

“Ronnie is quite a complex case as his need are very high.

“He is seen regularly by a child psychiatrist, the Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service, paediatricians and social services but we are still getting nowhere.”

The mum of five, who has two other autistic sons, added: “Ronnie also doesn’t sleep - he can stay up for three days solid. He constantly paces, smashes the house to pieces. He has also tried to burn it down before. He doesn’t communicate apart from a few single words which you have to prompt him for.

“It’s almost like the system is just passing his paperwork around and not willing to do anything.

“The specialists involved all say his sleep and behaviour will improve if he has a constant routine such as full-time school. Because he has got into a habit of misbehaving after a couple of hours so he can go home the psychiatrist said we have to break that cycle at a new school but that’s not happening.”

Ms Dilley believes thousands of children with special needs are being let down by the system.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “We continue to work with the family, the current school and other professionals involved to address the concerns raised.

“We are committed to working in partnership with the team around every child to ensure all young people in Essex have a positive experience of their education and are able to realise the hopes and aspirations that they and their families have for the future.”