Mum-of-four Debbie Reynolds lives near Alexandra Park in a three-bedroom flat with no outdoor space.
Because of this she needs a place she can take her youngest son Elijah, who is severely autistic and does not speak, to play outside.
She describes the nine-year-old, who attends TreeHouse School in Muswell Hill, a specialist school for autistic children and young people run by charity Ambitious about Autism, as an “amazing little man”.
But he faces significant challenges. Elijah has health conditions including muscular dystrophy, is “super hyper” and has no sense of danger. He does not understand he has to wait for the swings, and as he is very strong and fast he could easily run into a road.
Debbie says she can not take Elijah to parks at busy times as it is too overwhelming for him. Her only alternative is keeping him in his special needs buggy.
She said: “He doesn’t feel safe or welcome in a place that should be open to everyone. The crowds, the noise, the chaos, it’s just too much. So we wait. Until the park is nearly empty. Until our community has moved on.”
“It’s so isolating, so unfair, he deserves to be out,” she added.
Elijah was so overwhelmed by the noise at a privately-run soft play area that he he lashed out.
She says the manager of the centre suggested he return at 6pm when other children were not there, but that is when Elijah takes his medication.
Debbie has launched a petition asking London councils to help families like hers, which has so far gathered 200 signatures.
“They could create dedicated time slots at local parks or playgrounds for children with special needs, so they can feel free to play, interact, and just be themselves, such as in Priory Park,” she said.
Another solution she suggested would be to use school playgrounds during weekends and school holidays when they are locked and unused and could be monitored by vetted volunteers.
Or, she says, councils could provide secure, inclusive spaces designed with sensory-friendly features, quiet zones, and adaptive play equipment.
Debbie added: “The amount of special needs kids out there who would benefit, there’s no way the council would be out of pocket.”
Cllr Emily Arkell, cabinet member for culture and leisure at Haringey Council, said: “We have embarked on major improvement programme to upgrade several play areas across the borough and are working closely with the local community so that new facilities meet their needs.
“As part of this co-production, we consult Disability Action Haringey or local SEN groups who advise on accessible play features, including where this can support autistic spectrum disorders and neurodivergent children, who may require sensory play spaces.
She said the approach has been adopted for recent improvements at parks including Russell Park, Down Lane Park, Elizabeth Place and Oliver Tambo Rec.
She added: “We also work with parents or groups to book dedicated time slots at facilities including tennis courts, basketball courts or multi-use areas to increase access to our parks for children with specific needs.”
To sign the petition visit: https://www.change.org/p/a-childhood-outside-for-every-child?source_location=search
