Charlie is non-verbal autistic and the specialised unit at the Educate Together next door has been empty for three years because the Department of Education has so far failed to meet the school's needs. Since 2003, Charlie's name has been down for one of the 12 places on offer in the state-of-the-art unit in Celbridge, Co Kildare. Every day, his mother drives 55 miles to get him to and from his pre-school in Enfield, Co Meath.

"It's really very frustrating, " said Colgan. "I want the best for him but I'm constantly coming up against problems and red tape. Autism is all about early intervention, and if Charlie can't be given every chance now, then he's going to have even more problems in the future. He shouldn't be in a pre-school now. But no one seems to be able to do anything."

The autism unit remains unopened due to staffing shortages.

The department has offered funding for two teachers, but the school has said it needs three.

"This is a very good school that is very willing to open but the necessary supports have not been provided, " said Catherine Murphy TD.

"Experience has shown that if they open without all the resources, then they won't get them. There are at least 12 children in the area waiting for this facility and it is unacceptable that the department has failed to meet their needs."

Charlie's pre-school education is funded by the department, but his transport costs aren't covered. His sixth birthday on 5 October will bring more problems. From then on, he will no longer be covered for the speech and occupational therapy that he receives in Tallaght twice a week.

The reason is that by then he ought to be receiving it in the school he is attending.

"But he can't get it because the school is still closed, " said Colgan.

"Now they're saying it'll be January 2007, but at this stage, I'll believe it when I see it. In the meantime, what is going to happen for Charlie? He really needs that therapy, but its 130 for each session. I just can't afford that."

Colgan, a single parent of four children, said Charlie has had trouble biting his hands that occupational therapy has greatly improved.

Her biggest fear is that his condition will deteriorate.

"I know I'm not on my own in this and that there's hundreds of parents around the country in the same boat, " she said. "I look at him now, jumping on his trampoline in the garden and I know I'm lucky that he's a lovely little chap. It's over my dead body that he'll regress, but that could happen. If no one backs us up and no one helps, Charlie could end up being institutionalised. I can't let that happen."