A FATHER is fighting to bring his autistic son home from 'incarceration' in care.

Mark Neary, 51, of Penrith Close, Uxbridge, wants to get his 20-year-old son, Steven, out of a 'positive behavioural unit' in Colham Road, Yiewsley.

Mr Neary, a counsellor in Uxbridge, wanted to bring Steven home this month, but his hopes have been dashed by Hillingdon Council which runs the care home.

An online petition he has started has 2,500 backers.

Mr Neary said: "Steven originally went into care in December 2009 when I was ill.

"It was supposed to be for just three days to give me respite."

Since being in the care home, Steven's behaviour has deteriorated, which his father believes is preventing him from returning home.

The catch-22 is that being in the home makes him behave badly, but he will not be allowed out until his conduct improves.

"As he does not like being there, he gets agitated and anxious, and has [used] aggressive behaviour," said Steven's father.

"Prior to going to the treatment unit, Steven had quite a good life, content with his routines and daily activities.

"Of course he gets anxious at times - that's autism."

Steven, a former pupil at Moorcroft School, in Bramble Close, Hillingdon, was served with a 'deprivation of liberty order' after he escaped from the care home, in an incident where his father claims he was left unsupervised.

The order, while it has no clear definition, means he must be under direct supervision and is not free to leave unsupervised.

Steven is still able to come home for visits, but while the order remains, there are no prospects of him being allowed to return home, and it has just been extended to September.

A holiday Steven was very much looking forward to has been cancelled as a result.

Mr Neary was due to meet representatives of the home as the Gazette went to press, to find out more about options for Steven.

Since starting a 'Get Steven Home' campaign on Facebook on July 10, more than 2,500 people have pledged their support, which Mr Neary describes as 'phenomenal'.

Brian Doughty, interim director of adult social care health and housing, said: "Our Positive Behavioural Support Unit is a residential setting for people who need assistance in managing their own behaviour.

"Although we cannot comment on individual cases, the council takes the decision to refer people to these units very seriously, and people are only referred if they are displaying behaviour which is believed to be detrimental to themselves or others."

* What do you think? Email dancoombs@trinitysouth.co.uk.