Mother of Three Autistic Children Seeks Support for New Bed

A mother of four, with three of her children diagnosed with autism, has launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising funds for a specialized bed for her youngest son, Luke. The campaign highlights the significant challenges faced by the family due to Luke’s severe needs and aims to secure a safe sleeping environment for him.

Niamh, the mother, explained the difficulties that Luke, who is at a higher risk for elopement and has a pica eating disorder, brings to their household. “Luke is the youngest of the three and has more severe needs than his older siblings,” she stated. This situation has necessitated major changes in their home to ensure his safety and well-being.

Luke’s condition causes him to experience intense sensory-seeking behavior. He often wakes during the night, sometimes starting as early as 23:00 and not returning to sleep until 04:00 or 05:00. Currently, he sleeps in a travel cot, but Niamh noted that he has learned to climb over stair gates meant to keep him safe, rendering this option inadequate.

The bed Niamh seeks for Luke is priced at €4,500. “He is already on two medications, which have provided some improvement but not enough,” she explained. The intended bed, as depicted in the GoFundMe campaign, is designed to meet his specialized needs and create a safer sleeping arrangement.

Niamh works 18.5 hours a week as the primary caregiver for her children, balancing her responsibilities with her own recovery journey as she celebrates three years of sobriety. “This GoFundMe aims to help support getting this bed sooner rather than later. It is essential not only for Luke but also for my own well-being, so I can stay sane,” she shared.

The fundraising effort has so far garnered a little over €600, with a goal of reaching €1,800. Niamh expressed gratitude for any assistance offered, emphasizing the positive impact a good night’s sleep could have on Luke’s development and interest in daily activities. “I just want to provide the best for my boys, who deserve the world,” she said.

For more information or to support the campaign, visit the GoFundMe page linked below.