Childhood in the cage

Xiao Wang, a 12-year-old boy who suffers Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), plays inside an iron cage. [Photo/IC]

Zhong Kefu, a farmer from Xiushui county, East China's Jiangxi province, locked his 12-year-old son Xiao Wang, who is suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in an iron cage to deal with his behavioral problems.

The cage, mearusing 2 square meters (21.5 square feet), was found in his home containing two sponges, one small wooden stool and a urinal.

Zhong says he has to lock his son in the cage, as no one could take care of him when he goes to work.

Zhong married his wife, who was mentally disabled, in 2000. She gave birth to Xiao Wang two years later.

Xiao behaved different from other children of the same age, and his only words were "dad" or "mom". He would eat everything he lay his hands on, without considering whether it was edible or not. As he grew older his episodes of violence and outbursts increased.

As Zhong had to go out for work every day to support his family, he used the cage as a tool to contain his son when he was violent.

The boy was diagnosed by Jiangxi Children's Hospital with Cortical Dysplasia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

"All his life would be like this if he gets no treatment and improvement before he turns 14", one doctor says.

Zhong hasn't given up hope of earning money to get his son the medical treatment he needs.

He is also desperate for social support to help his son get well soon.