Desperate family seeks adaptable council home as boy with autism and pica needs safe space

A desperate family in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, is appealing for an adaptable council bungalow after their six-year-old son, Steven, began destroying the home and craving non-edible items. Leigh Murphy, 29, and her husband, Steven, 28, say they must constantly supervise Steven to keep him safe as he eats items around the house and even chews on plaster and exposed wires.

Steven has severe autism and a rare eating disorder known as pica, which drives him to eat sand, mud and the walls of his bedroom. The family has nicknamed him Wreck it Ralph and says there is no safe space in the current home. They have been on the council’s housing waiting list for three years, seeking an adaptable property that would allow padding for his bedroom, a wet room and ventilation to keep air flowing while preventing him from climbing out.

Leigh Murphy describes daily life in the family home. She says Steven destroys almost everything and is exceptionally strong, sometimes knocking her over. There is a constant effort to block access to dangerous areas, and she notes that the house has wires hanging from walls.

Steven’s diagnosis came after a long wait for assessments. He has had a multidisciplinary team around him for five years, but he was officially diagnosed with autism, pica and intellectual disability in May due to delays in referrals and long waiting lists. Leigh left her job as an A&E clinical support worker when Steven was four and a half to care for him. The family also includes Isla-Mae, nine, and live with the stress of living in a private rental.

The family is seeking an adaptable bungalow in Cumbernauld so they can implement safety features such as padding in Steven’s bedroom, a wet room and venting that keeps air quality safe while allowing his space to remain secure. Leigh says having a safe space for Steven would give her some relief and allow her to sleep again.

North Lanarkshire Council acknowledged the family’s situation and said it is working with social work colleagues to support their needs. The available housing in the area is limited, and most homes are owned by housing associations rather than the council. There is currently no suitable council housing in the right location, but the council is engaging with partner landlords to explore all options and treats the case as a priority, though it may take time to find the right property.

The case highlights ongoing challenges for families dealing with complex neurodevelopmental disorders and housing accessibility in Scotland; the family hopes for a home that can safely accommodate Steven’s needs and provide peace of mind for the whole family.