Katie Price says son Harvey will ‘always need his mum’ but will stay in residential college until he’s 25
KATIE Price has said that her son Harvey will "always need his mum" and will stay in a residential college until he's 25.
The 19-year-old - who has severe autism, a rare complex genetic condition called Prader-Willi syndrome and is partially blind - is now a resident at the National Star College in Cheltenham.
Harvey has moved into the residential college so that he can gain his own independence and grow into a young man with the support he needs.
He will live there for the next six years.
During a recent chat with New Magazine, the former glamour model opened up about what the future holds for her son after college.
Katie said: "I hope like any mum with a child with a severe, complex disability, that Harvey will be able to live a full and independent life.
"But I know Harvey best and I know he will always need his mum. I will always encourage him to be independent and continue his journey in an environment I think he will thrive in.
"What happens next for Harvey is a decision myself and my family will need to discuss in time, but for now I'm just happy he's enjoying his time at National Star College."
Most read in Celebrity
The mum-of-five is so happy that her eldest has been given the opportunity to grow as a person.
Katie added: "Giving harvey this opportunity to live independently is both amazing and totally scary at the same time. I had to be prepared to let him go and to trust my instincts that he will be OK and this is the right thing for him
"It's a massive transition for us both.
"For me, Harvey will always be my baby. Harvey is my life and this is a new chapter of our life together, one where Harvey will find his independence and be helped to transition into a young man.
"Harvey is embracing every moment. He is loving it."
Katie documented their search for the perfect college in her acclaimed BBC documentary Harvey & Me, which aired on our screens last year.
It explored how one of Harvey's most important milestones - turning 18 and becoming an adult.
But for some disabled young adults like Harvey, it also brings a daunting uncertainty as the people and places that have cared for him as a child are about to change.
After their visit to National Star College, Katie decided that it was the perfect place for Harvey.
Katie is also mum to Junior, 16, and Princess, 14, who she shares with Peter Andre.
Jett, eight, and Bunny, seven, are children from her previous marriage to Kieran Hayler.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun Showbiz team?
Email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220 .
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.