A Gosforth mother has revealed her constant state of anxiety every time she leaves the house with her nine-year-old son, Oliver Thompson-Anderson. Sarah Jensen expressed fear that she will return home without Oliver, as he regularly runs into busy roads. In one terrifying incident at Kingston Park Metro Station in Newcastle, Oliver, who is severely autistic and non-verbal, attempted to jump in front of trains. Sarah described being covered in blood while desperately trying to restrain him.
Sarah worries that Oliver could be killed or seriously injure a member of the public if the local children’s service, CYPS (Children and Young People’s Service), does not intervene. Recounting the heartbreaking reality, Jensen said: “It is absolutely heartbreaking to watch Oliver attack himself, and in such obvious distress. I fear for his life, and I keep saying he will end up in a box if we don’t get help soon.” The daily stress is constant, with Jensen stating: “I worry every day and every night. Every morning, I worry what mood he will be in. He attacks me and self-harms constantly. We are both in danger and I worry where it may end.” Oliver, described by his mother as very strong, often leaves her with cuts and bruises. Despite these challenges, Sarah recalled happier moments, noting: “He has moments where he is an absolute joy to be around, especially when we are outdoors. He’ll share his chocolate with me, and he is just a lovely, lovely boy.” Sarah’s ultimate wish for her son is safety and happiness, stating: “I want him to be safe, but more than that, I would just like him to feel happiness and to see him smile, run, jump and laugh, and have the lovely family experiences he deserves.”
Oliver, also brother to five-year-old Lochlan Jensen-Thompson, was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. His behaviour has become increasingly challenging as he has grown older. Jensen believes Oliver lashes out due to frustration from being unable to communicate, often remaining completely dysregulated. Oliver is not permitted to leave the house unless accompanied by two adults, as he is so difficult to control. Members of the public have even called the police after witnessing Oliver attempting to jump from moving vehicles.
Oliver attends a special school and is provided with personal assistants by CYPS, who take him out on weekends and once during the week. However, Jensen receives frequent calls that Oliver has harmed himself or lashed out at staff. In one alarming incident, Oliver pushed his head through a glass window. He also recently attempted to jump in front of a train. Jensen revealed that Oliver suffered from psychosis last summer, remaining awake for seven days straight before being sedated at the hospital. Sarah further stated that Oliver has slashed his hands with razor blades, obtaining the blades from a box inside her wardrobe. Jensen is currently fighting for CYPS to diagnose Oliver with ADHD and consider medication to manage his condition.
Sarah is also advocating for Oliver to be provided with an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to assist with his speech and language. Additionally, she is seeking additional respite care during school holidays and alterations to her home. Sarah described the immense toll Oliver’s behaviour has taken on her mental health, stating: “It has taken a huge toll on my mental health. Looking after Oliver is a massive responsibility and things other families take for granted are impossible for us.” Simple actions, such as leaving the house, require careful planning due to the risk of Oliver putting himself in danger or attacking someone. Sarah constantly worries he might lash out at a member of the public.
Jensen expressed feelings of being judged by the public, stating: “I feel constantly judged, and people are always staring at us. No-one ever helps.” Her concern also extends to the impact on Oliver, noting: “I have had to ask people to stop looking, as it’s not fair on Oliver. I wouldn’t want to be stared at if I was having a breakdown in public.” Furthermore, Jensen alleges that CYPS has blamed her for Oliver’s behaviour. Sarah also stated that she had to quit a part-time job after CYPS told her she needed to devote all her time to her son. Jensen concluded: “It’s got to the stage we’re at breaking point.”
Response from the Local NHS Trust
Dr. Rajesh Nadkarni, Executive Medical Director for Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, provided a statement regarding complex needs and family support. Dr. Nadkarni stated: “Caring for a child with complex needs can place a great deal of worry and pressure on families. We understand how challenging this can be. Supporting children and their families is a responsibility we take seriously.”
Dr. Nadkarni confirmed the Trust’s approach: “While we cannot comment on individual cases, our approach is always careful, detailed and based on thorough assessment.” Dr. Nadkarni added that children may be seen by a range of skilled professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, behaviour therapists, and specialist nurses, who carry out various assessments based on their specialist roles. This process helps the Trust to build a full picture of a child’s development, communication, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and overall health.
Dr. Nadkarni further elaborated on the assessment process: “These assessments help us to understand what is causing a child’s difficulties and what support they need. This might include medication, therapy, or behaviour strategies based on the child’s needs.” Dr. Nadkarni concluded by confirming the Trust’s collaborative approach: “When a specific need is identified, we work closely with the child, their family and other services involved in their care. This includes schools, GPs, physical health services and social care, to make sure the right support is in place.”
