Many households from an entire street stood by their doors to celebrate the 21st birthday of an upset woman with autism during lockdown.

Mya Cox, 21, has been struggling in truly comprehending the need for her family to remain indoors due to her learning difficulties and autism – so she was naturally upset in the build up to her birthday last Thursday (April 2).

The family previously prepared big plans so that she could go to dinner with her carer and celebrate with many friends at a marquee in their garden.

But as lockdown measures came in place, it was clear that these plans have had to be postponed until a later date.

Nevertheless, Mya was still treated to a memorable birthday thanks to the community spirit at Sydney Road, Watford.

Her mother Sally Chapman explained: “She’s been struggling in being inside and not seeing her carer and friends.

“We had a big party planned which we had to cancel, and it only made her anxiety worse, so we had to change her medication.

“So, we thought what could we do?”

The mother decided to hand out notes to a few neighbours, explaining the situation and asking for them to sing ‘happy birthday’ at 7pm.

However to the whole family’s surprise, households from nearly the entire street stood by their doors to sing and celebrate her birthday.

Watford Observer:

Sally Chapman (left) and her daughter Mya (right)

She said: “I was absolutely gobsmacked, they must have spoken to other neighbours and spread the word, there were people there that sang that we don’t know.

“It really made her day, even after all her presents and cards came through the post, she was most happy that everyone sang to her, it made me cry!

“We were so emotional, we thought maybe only one or two would actually come out.”

In just an hour after the celebration, households came out again in the national clap for carers campaign to show support for NHS staff battling coronavirus.

Ms Chapman admitted that current lockdown circumstances makes it hard for parents, particularly when children have learning difficulties, to deal with.

However, she explained it is important to keep spirits high and occupy children with lots of indoor activities and consistent routines.

She added: “We keep promising her that when this is all over, we will go back to ‘Plan A’. But for now, we have to wait.

“But with everyone coming out, it goes to show the community spirit we do have.”