Nicholas Thornton is a 28-year-old person with learning disabilities and autism, who for the last 10 years has been in-and-out of institutions unable to accommodate his needs. The Independent's Rebecca Thomas has spoken with Nicholas and his family about the inadequate care he has received, revealing how thousands of patients have been institutionalised and forced into inappropriate care, despite promises from the government. Read Rebecca Thomas' full report on The Independent and watch On The Ground on Independent TV, across desktop, mobile and connected TV. Click here to subscribe to The Independent: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: null Videos, daily editorial and more: http://www.theindy.com/ Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Like The Independent on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/TheIndependentOnline Follow The Independent on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Independent Follow The Independent on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.independent Download the iOS & Android app: https://www.independent.co.uk/subscribe/app Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - https://www.independent.co.uk/donations Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: https://bit.ly/2MiOONB