IT'S LIKE BEING SENT TO BEDLAM.

SIX months ago, The Mail on Sunday launched its Locked Up For Autism campaign, exposing how hundreds of young people have been ripped from their families, held in seclusion cells at secure units, fed through hatches like animals, and forcibly drugged. The revelations by Ian Birrell sparked five official inquiries. And last week, his compelling journalism was recognised with two prestigious awards: Health Reporter of the Year at the National Press Awards, and Amnesty International's media award for written news. Today, he reports on some of the most shocking ordeals yet suffered by youngsters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]