Bexhill mum puts autism discrimination in the spotlight
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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.
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Hide AdIsaias 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.
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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.”
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Hide AdJay 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.”
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