MOTHERS of Worcester children with a form of autism have rallied behind a city grandmother in criticising the help on offer for them.

Pat Kelly, aged 71, has highlighted the plight of grandson Robert, claiming she is receiving no help from Worcestershire Social Services in caring for him.

The disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, means the 16-year-old can be irrational and prone to temper tantrums.

Dawn Turner, whose seven-year-old daughter Jade has the disorder, said people in authority had very little understanding of the stress carers suffer.

"It's a constant struggle," said Mrs Turner, of Humber Road, Ronkswood.

"Because they look perfectly normal, people don't seem to understand. I tried to get help from Worcestershire County Council and they didn't help at all."

Her daughter goes to Nunnery Wood Primary School, but although intelligent, has trouble integrating with other children.

Trudi Stanley, the mother of 18-year-old Stuart Box, who also suffers from the disorder, said she was very sympathetic to the situation in which Mrs Kelly finds herself.

"To look after a youngster with Asperger's Syndrome is difficult at any age, but to look after him at her age must be extremely difficult," said Mrs Stanley, also from Ronkswood.

"I tried to get help from social services and got none."

Currently, her son is about to start a horticultural course at Pershore College.

Mrs Kelly, from Muncaster Place, Warndon Villages, came to the Evening News distraught at the lack of help. Robert spends most of his time on the internet - recently running up a bill of £1,200.

His mother is dead and his father lives in Kuwait, leaving Mrs Kelly with the task of looking after him.

But Worcestershire Social Services defended the help they give the community, saying they have to prioritise children from broken homes, or ones who have been neglected or abused.

"We're sorry we are not able to help everyone who asks us," said a spokesman. "We must ensure that money is spent wisely and we must target our efforts where they're most needed.

"We'll give priority to those children who are most vulnerable or at risk."