A Ross-shire couple are preparing to travel to America in an attempt to get improved treatment for their two-year-old son who has autism.

Dave and Tracy Hayhurst from Tain claim they have been badly let down by NHS Highland and are having to take matters into their own hands. They say the local health board have not provided their son, Alfie-Ray, with the learning support he needs to improve his condition.

Alfie-Ray Hayhurst has severe autism and until recently lived in his own little world, although his ability to connect with the outside world has begun to show signs of improving.

His parents paid for and learned the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), a method that uses helps children with autism or learning difficulties to communicate using visual images.

The system has been used with a variety of ages who have a wide array of communicative, cognitive and physical difficulties.

The local authority said in a statement: "We have received a complaint from the Hayhursts and hope we can resolve this issue through direct communication with them.

"While we can't comment on individual cases, our aim is to do the best for every patient. We are still looking into this complaint."

The Hayhursts' concerns are being taken up with local politicians. But in the meantime they are preparing to go to America where they say Alfie-Ray will be fully assessed and receive a proper learning programme.