A mum fears her disabled son could accidentally kill her during a tantrum - because he doesn’t know his own strength.
Clare Lucignoli, 45, said she was regularly hit, kicked, scratched, bitten and pinched by her 17-year-old son Luke.
Luke is 15 stone 8lbs and 6ft tall - and his mum said he was often “the most loving, cheeky and excitable child”.
But she said he could also lash out with violent, challenging behaviour as a result of his complex medical needs.
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Luke was born with severe learning difficulties and later diagnosed with epilepsy and A-typical autism.
His mum is asking her local council in Swansea for more support to keep her and the local community safe.
Clare believes Luke needs 24 hour 2 on 1 care to live a safe and happy life. But at present Swansea Council funds 60 hours of care a week outside of term time and 35 hours a week when Luke’s at school, via direct payments.
This means Clare receives the money to recruit and train the carers that support her family.
Ms Lucignoli, who used to be a primary school teacher, said: “My boy is the most loving, cheeky and excitable child.
“In his good moments he is a pleasure to be around and so funny.
“But when Luke gets over excited or frustrated he cannot manage his emotions.
“He has cysts on his brain that are causing him a lot of pain which can make his behaviour worse.
“When he lashes out his mood can turn in an instant.
“All I am asking for is the necessary help to protect myself and the general public from injury when Luke is having a meltdown.
“I need to protect him from himself too. If he bumps his head it could do real damage.
“And that help needs to come in the form of more trained carers, ideally paid for by the council and social services.”
Single mum Clare, who lives in Cockett, Swansea, said she was often left alone with her son and that it could be a trigger for his angry outbursts.
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She said: “Luke needs to be kept stimulated 24/7 - the moment he is in pain or gets bored or my attention is elsewhere it can be a trigger.
“I don’t feel like I can leave him to have some privacy in the bathroom, or to put on a load of washing.
“So often that few moments alone sets him off.
“Then I am left fending for myself against my son who is becoming a big strong man.
“So far I have suffered concussion, broken wrists, bruising, bites and I have nasal polyps after being hit in the face.
“I worry that the worst could happen.
“He has accidentally grabbed me by the throat before.
“And my main fear is if Luke did seriously injure or kill me who would look after him then?
“My priority is protecting his right to a happy and safe life. But no-one is willing to look after my right to the same thing.”
Clare said she had been advised by social services to call the police in moments of crisis when Luke was out of control at home.
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She said: “When I have called the police their response has been slow and when they do arrive they can’t pursue the matter as Luke’s behaviour isn’t criminal – he has no understanding of what he is doing.”
A spokesperson for Swansea Council said: “A care package that is appropriate to the young person’s needs is in place.
“We will continue to work closely with the family to ensure the needs of this young person are met and his mother receives the support required.”
