The joy of a mother who finally got her autistic son out of a mental institution after fifteen years has made it a happy moment.
Sharon Clarke, from Doncaster, said Ryan was ‘over the moon’ at being released from Humber Unit in Hull.
She stated that the 32 year-old will now be living independently with support from caregivers in his own home.
This breakthrough was made possible by the tireless campaigning of Ms Clarke, who had been detained with her son in 2006.
Ryan was held in fear of self-harm and his mother worked tirelessly to free him.
Sharon Clarke (from Doncaster) said Ryan, (pictured together), was over the moon to have been released from Humber Unit at Hull
Pictured with Ryan and her husband Peter, Ms Clarke celebrates Ryan’s birthday in a park together with their dog.
Ryan, pictured left at four, right at six, was an affectionate and mischievous child, and reached all his expected milestones
Hull-born Ms Clarke stated that her boy had been ‘ecstatic” to leave the secure unit. She also said that he was “over the moon”.
She told the BBC: ‘He’s autistic and he has repetitive phrases but I just think that was his coping mechanism whilst he was in hospital.
“Now that I see it, it’s going to stop. The effect will stop when it stops. There will be bad days, but these days will get less frequent.
Her husband Peter added of his step-son: ‘We thought he’d be overwhelmed but actually he took it really well, in his stride.
He was so happy that he just wanted to do it all and be able to see everything simultaneously. He was happy, just dancing and laughing.
Ryan was allowed to move out of the secured unit earlier this year and go on his own.
Ms Clarke stated at that time that asking for help for her son’s needs was the worst thing she had ever done.
Ryan, despite not having committed a crime, was held in mental hospitals since 2006.
He was caged alongside some of the most dangerous criminals in the country, after being voluntarily admitted.
Ms. Clarke turned desperately to lawyers for help to free her son. The breakthrough was made in May 2019.
Then Health Secretary Matt Hancock launched an independent review of patients in segregation and the care they received.
Hull native Ms Clarke said that her 17-year-old son was thrilled to be leaving the secure unit. He also expressed his delight at being ‘over the moon.
Ms Clarke and her son are pictured together in their Yorkshire home when Ryan was 13 years old
Ryan celebrated his 10th birthday in June, the first time he had been allowed to return home for over a decade.
Ms Clarke believes without her constant campaigning her son would have been left in the Humber Unit in Hull for years.
The 62-year-old mother of three told FEMAIL in June: ‘Ryan became depressed as a teenager.
“Naivety” thought that he would get medical attention and the help he required. It was actually the biggest mistake I made.
“I regret making that call, because it set off a fifteen-year struggle to bring my son home.
Ryan was affectionate as a child and mischievous. He reached all the milestones he expected. Ryan was curious and enjoyed learning about how things work.
His mother added, “He was such a caring and loving boy.” His little friend was an invalid and he took great care of her. He was also a lover of animals.
Soon, she noticed Ryan relied heavily upon routine and was fond of flapping his hands.
Ryan, a young boy, was loving and playful and achieved all of his milestones. Ryan loved learning and was always curious about the world.
Ms Clarke stated that ‘We walked from home to school and, if we took a different route than our normal, he would start throwing tantrums. It was difficult for me to believe he was trying to be hard.
“He couldn’t understand how things would happen in the future. If we were to plan a holiday, it was impossible for him to wait. Once again, he would throw a tantrum. He would throw a tantrum again, but I believed he would grow from it.
“He was the child of the family. His two older sisters were very fond of him. I think he felt somewhat spoilt.
Ryan had a difficult time with friends in large groups. But Jozzy and Leslie were his best friends.
His development was not questioned at all in mainstream schools. He began to experience anxiety at the age of 16.
Ms Clarke explained that Ryan had cried at the sight wrapped presents during Christmas because he was scared of surprise surprises. He was not able to deal with the unexpected.
“We visited the GP. Ryan was referred to the community mental team.
Ryan had trouble with friendships as he got older. However, he was surrounded by best friends, attended mainstream schools, and his growth wasn’t hindered. Ryan 11 years old, with Jozzy his best pal. Right, Ryan at age eight
Ryan was 17 when he split with his girlfriend for 18 months. He tried to cut his wrists in the family toilet.
Although his wounds were not serious, Ms Clarke called Crisis Team to plead for assistance. Ryan was admitted to a psychiatric unit.
Ryan lived six months in a residence unit. Ms Clarke stated that Ryan spent six months in a residential unit.
Ryan was my concern and I wanted to see him get better. It was right for Ryan to remain there.
“I now know how wrong that was.” He was then placed in an open psychiatric facility for four more years.
Ms Clarke stated that Ryan was beginning to worry and kept calling for him to return home. I was assured by staff that Ryan was doing well and was in the right place.
‘He was diagnosed with schizophrenia – which later changed – and given anti-psychotic medication. The medication caused him to lose 18 teeth.
“He felt very down after his medication had been changed. This was his trigger to make his next move.”
Ryan was also diagnosed with mild learning problems and had to be sectioned.
Ryan, 16 years old (pictured), began to experience anxiety at the tender age. His GP referred him for counseling through the local mental health team.
Despite not having committed any crime, he was placed with dangerous criminals.
Manchester was about two hours drive away from Hull, the home of the family at that time.
Ms Clarke explained that the first time she visited her, it was an experience of horror. It felt like being in a prison. My handbag and my phone were confiscated.
“I have never missed Ryan’s visit and my entire life was about trying to bring Ryan home. He didn’t allow me to look at his food or where he sleeps. The visits were all in one room.
“My older daughters got settled and began having families. Ryan seemed like he was locked up in a time capsule, and that he wasn’t being released. It was terrifying to think of him.
Ryan was clearly anxious and weeping. He broke my heart every time I saw him. He became quieter and more distant.
Ryan moved to Hull in East Yorkshire five years ago. Ms Clarke stated that he was segregated for a time.
She stated that she found segregation completely unacceptable. It was like being in solitary prison.
After a long trip, I arrived at my visit to find that the appointment had been cancelled. It was all a scam.
She became so concerned about Ryan’s situation – and the lack of communication from the hospital – she sought legal action.
His diagnosis of schizophrenia changed to autism in 2018 at age 28. Since then, Ms. Clarke received support from National Autistic Society.
Ryan, who was 32 years old, was allowed to return home on May 31st, for the celebration of his birthday.
Ms Clarke stated that Ryan was the first time she had seen her in years. It was so touching. Ryan was stunned when he saw our Alexa smart speaker– he was blown away by the technology.
“We have been informed that Ryan will be released into assisted living sometime later in the year. Although it won’t come easy, Ryan has already been in total institutionalization. I cannot wait.
“It is close to our family so that I can support him and visit him everyday. It is like a true dream.
“I understand serious offenders require treatment. However, non-offenders shouldn’t be kept in the same prison as them.
“Ryan” is autistic, and others are suffering in the same way.
‘My son has spent half of his life locked up in hospital – for no reason at all. Now, however, there is a better future for him.
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust claimed last year that Ryan would be provided with the best care packages.
One spokesperson stated that the goal of every activity is to provide the best care possible for all patients.
“NHS Hull CCG” is working with Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, and other partners in order to help Ryan’s care.
“We are determined to give Ryan a chance to live in community with the right level of care. We want Ryan to be able to lead a normal, active and fulfilling life outside of the hospital.
“The Independent Care and Treatment Reviews recommendations are followed as necessary and any changes are made promptly to resolve any concerns.