Harpreet Mehmood’s five-year-old son, Danyal, is non-verbal, wears nappies, struggles to eat independently and must be strapped into a buggy when out with his parents because he is considered a flight risk.
Despite his complex needs, education officials have ruled that Danyal is suitable for mainstream education when he starts school in August – a decision his devastated parents say has left them with no option but to consider pursuing a tribunal against Glasgow City Council.
Speaking exclusively to the Glasgow Times, Harpreet explained how her youngest son is being denied the same opportunities as his older brother, Deen, who is also autistic and currently attends ASN provision at Langlands Primary School in Crookston.
The 38-year-old said the family is determined to fight.
Harpreet Mehmood with her sons Danyal age 5, left and Deen age 8, right at home in Glasgow. (Image: Colin Mearns)
She added: “Both my sons are autistic. One receives the support and education he needs while the other is being failed by the system.
“To say I’m appalled by this decision is an understatement. Danyal qualifies for the highest level of child disability payment and requires round-the-clock care. The idea that he could cope in a classroom with 23 neurotypical children is simply mind-blowing.
“It all comes down to cost and the severe shortage of ASN placements across the city. We requested a placement at Langlands Primary because it’s an excellent school with the one-to-one support Danyal needs. Deen is thriving there, but we’ve been told Danyal must attend St Monica’s instead.”
Harpreet and partner Bobby, 44, say there is no realistic way Danyal will manage full-time mainstream education, and fear the council’s decision will have a devastating impact on his future.
Danyal Mehmood age 5 at home in Glasgow. (Image: Colin Mearns)
However, council bosses say an enhanced transition and individual support plan will also be put in place ahead of the school year for Danyal.
Harpreet said: “We attended a school transition session, and Danyal lasted only 20 minutes before we had to take him home. So how is this expected to work on a full-time basis? Like so many children across the city, he risks being failed by the very system that is supposed to support him.”
The family has now sought support from Govan Law Centre and say they are prepared to take the matter to tribunal to ensure Danyal receives the education and support he requires.
The number of parents pursuing tribunals over places in Glasgow’s ASN schools has risen dramatically, going from just six cases in 2019 to 103 in recent years. The sharpest increases have occurred since 2024, with a shortage of suitable placements repeatedly highlighted.
Harpreet, a mother-of-three from Crookston, is now urging both the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council to invest urgently in additional ASN provision.
Brothers Danyal age 5, left and Deen Mehmood age 8 , right at home in Glasgow. (Image: Colin Mearns)
She said: “The system is broken. Children are being failed because there simply aren’t enough spaces for the growing number of autistic children who need specialist placements.
“Things need to change urgently because, long-term, this will have a devastating effect on young people’s education. I can already see the difference the ASN setting has made for Deen. Danyal needs that same level of support, but he’s not going to receive it, basically because of budgets, and that’s diabolical.
“What’s especially concerning is that Danyal is a flight risk and will run if he feels overwhelmed. He has no awareness of danger and has significant sensory issues. He cannot communicate his needs effectively and requires constant supervision and care.
“A mainstream school simply cannot provide that level of one-to-one support, and asking for it also places enormous pressure on teaching staff.”
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The Glasgow Times previously reported on similar concerns raised by Amanda Fleming, whose 12-year-old son Miles has autism and ADHD. She said families are increasingly being forced to leave employment to compensate for gaps in support.
The 44-year-old from Ruchill blamed years of underinvestment in ASN education across the city for pushing both families and services to breaking point.
She said: “This failure is creating a generation of autistic children who are not receiving a proper education. Parents are having to give up jobs so their children don’t fall behind. I know many mums and dads who are being forced to pick up the slack, and that simply isn’t fair.”
In a recent exclusive interview with us, the council’s new director of education, John McGhee, acknowledged that many parents have lost confidence in the local authority’s ASN support network.
Harpreet says something drastic must happen soon as more children fall through the cracks.
Danyal Mehmood age 5 at home in Glasgow. (Image: Colin Mearns)
She added: “Parents are at breaking point. We urgently need more investment in ASN schools across the city. This is a problem that is only going to get worse, not better, unless significant change happens.
“We’ve requested mediation and, if that fails, we will have no choice but to take the council to a tribunal. We will explore every possible legal route to secure the education our son rightfully deserves, but it should never come to this.”
A council spokesperson added: “We understand that it is upsetting for families when they think an ASN placement does not go their way and a decision is for a mainstream setting with the right support.
“St Monica’s Primary school has never said that they can’t meet Danyal’s needs and have organised a couple of meetings at the nursery to meet with the parents and a stay and play event at the school to begin to assess Danyal’s specific needs.
“An enhanced transition and an individual support plan will also be put in place ahead of the school year in August and support for mum and dad – this will include a risk assessment bespoke to Danyal.”
