ON Sunday, I took my son to the Range in St Helens with one of my child’s carers. 


He was becoming extremely distressed due to the queue, but bear in mind he was wearing the sunflower lanyard which clearly identifies someone with additional needs and also hidden disabilities. 


Members of the public just watched and sniggered to themselves as my son was in meltdown and throwing himself to the floor. 


I went and spoke to a member of staff and explained the situation. The staff member then said only NHS staff can go straight through and that they have to go with what head office state. 


The NHS and front of line staff have and continue to do an amazing job, but what about children who have no understanding of queuing or any understanding at all?


I contacted the store whilst in the queue to explain that there should be better rules regarding people with disabilities and autism. 


The manager told me the same: that they have to go by what head office said. 
I explained I will be writing to head office to explain my concerns. 


Five minutes later a lovely gentleman came to the queue and saw my son was still distressed. People continued to stare as he took us into store and apologised.
My point is, people need to be more understanding.


If they see a child who they think is “having a tantrum” realise there could be more going on. Be sympathetic instead of staring and causing more distress to my son.

And that yes we are in a pandemic but Asda and Tesco have a fast track for people with disabilities, it’s a shame that other shops don’t.


Name and address submitted