EastEnders star says ‘everything is a fight’ as she opens up about ‘exhausting’ life as mum to an autistic child
A SOAP star has opened up on the endless “battle” of raising an autistic child.
Kellie Bright, 49, who has three sons with her husband Paul Stocker, explained that having a child with special educational needs means “everything is a fight” and “nothing comes easily.”
Not only this, but the actress recognised that having a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) son has left her “exhausted.”
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, EastEnders‘ Linda Carter, whose 12-year-old son Freddie not only has autism but is also dyslexic and has ADHD, got candid on struggles as a SEND parent.
Kellie was joined by journalist Nuala McGovern and councillor Amanda Hopgood, as she shared her frustrations.
In a clip that has since been shared on social media, Kellie said: “Everything is a fight, everything.
“Nothing comes easily.”
Moments later, the star acknowledged: “No one is there saying, ‘oh yes, I can see that this need is here and let me help you with that.’
“Everything is a battle, which is why parents/parent carers of children with SEND are so exhausted.”
Not only this, but the mother then shared a common fear many SEND parents have.
Kellie added: “The other thing I’ve heard again and again is this idea that at 16 everything just falls off a cliff.
“Let’s face it, we are legally required for our children to remain in education till they’re 18, whatever that looks like.”
Parents react
Social media users were stunned by Kellie’s honesty and many could relate to her situation.
Numerous parents eagerly raced to the comments to praise the actress and others opened up on their own concerns as SEND mothers.
I feel every word of this, exhausted doesn’t even sum it up
TikTok user
One person said: “I love this woman, she’s so honest and everything she’s saying is true. Deeply sad but true.”
Another added: “100% agree.”
A third commented: “Well said.”
What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incurable, lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.
It affects around one in 100 people in the UK and is three to four times more common in boys than in girls.
Many people with ASD find it hard to understand other people’s feelings and emotions, and they may have difficulty holding conversations.
When they are young, their language development may take longer and they can struggle to use facial expressions, using gestures to communicate instead.
They may also find it hard to connect with other people and to hold eye contact with unfamiliar individuals.
Many children with ASD like to follow a routine, and changes to this can cause distress.
High functioning autism is an informal term some people use to describe those on the autism spectrum disorder.
Meanwhile, someone else chimed in: “I feel every word of this, exhausted doesn’t even sum it up.
“I don’t know how we will manage when everything stops at 16.”
At the same time, one parent praised: “It’s a constant battle and there isn’t any support.”
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