Mum says teenage autistic son has been abandoned and falling through cracks in system

Cherisse Lanigan feels her son has been "abandoned and is falling through cracks in the system" because of a lack of support for young adults with learning difficulties.

Callan has autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as anxiety and other behavioural issues.

After recently turning 18, he took a test which found he has an IQ above 70. In Northern Ireland, this means he cannot access adult disability services, even thought he had been assessed as having special educational needs as a child.

The Northern Health Trust has said it recognises the approach "can present significant challenges" for individuals and families who do not meet the eligibility criteria.