A six-year-old boy has been nicknamed ‘Wreck it Ralph’ by his mother after being diagnosed with an eating disorder that sees him slowly consume their family home.
Steven, 6, has severe autism and pica – a condition which generates cravings for inedible items, resulting in bedroom walls being ripped up, chowing on exposed electrical wires and even sand being swallowed.
Mother Leigh, 29, and father Steven Murphy, 28, cannot let their son out of their sight in fear of him causing havoc to their North Lanarkshire, Scotland, home.
Leigh told The Record: ‘We nickname him Wreck it Ralph. In the living room we only have two couches and telly – that’s it.
‘In the kitchen everything is locked away.’
Lesley McCrann, 48, Steven’s grandmother, said Leigh and the children, including 9-year-old sister Isla-Mae, were moved out of the property yesterday due to the ‘horrendous’ conditions.
She told Metro about the strain on herself and Steven’s parents.
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‘It’s really horrendous the way that they’re living,’ Lesley said. ‘We’re just scared that a window could get smashed and then he’s out of that window.
‘It’s really hard going for me – obviously they’re my family and I would do anything for them – but at the same time it’s a huge stress for myself too.’
Steven was diagnosed with pica four months ago, and his family have asked North Lanarkshire Council to move them out of their private rental property into a council home which would be safer for their son.
Lesley added that the stress caused by the delay and caring for Steven has had a big impact on his parents’ relationship.
Four years ago, Leigh had to quit her job to become a full-time carer.
‘She had to give up her work four years ago because it’s such an extreme case. His mum is really struggling because you cannot take your eyes off him for even a minute because he’s up to something every minute of the day.’
The family are keen to find a council home without stairs so that Steven is unable to injure himself from an above storey.
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: ‘We understand the family’s situation and are working closely with Social Work colleagues to support their needs.
‘The type of property required, an adaptable bungalow in Cumbernauld, is in very short supply, and most homes in the area are owned by housing associations rather than the council.
‘We currently have no suitable council housing available but, with the family’s agreement, we are engaged with our partner landlords to explore every option. While this is being treated as a priority, finding the right property may take time.’
You can support the family’s petition here.
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