After eight years in Australia, Tyrone and his mother face deportation as Maria's Skilled Regional Provisional visa application has been rejected because of his autism. Tyrone knows something is happening but, partly due to his condition, doesn't understand the potential consequences. "One time when we were doing an interview, he sat on our lounge and started crying," Maria said. "'What's going on... what's going on?' he kept asking." During another interview, Tyrone showed a journalist around the day-care centre he attends.

"He was showing the journalist what he'll miss when he goes back to the Philippines," Maria said. Maria appealed the visa decision and last month the Federal Government's Migration Review Tribunal again denied the application because of Tyrone's diagnosis. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton now has to make a decision on whether to deport Maria and Tyrone. "I hope the Minister will look at our case with compassion," Maria said. "Tyrone doesn't have the voice to tell everyone they need to treat him the same as other kids. He needs to stay in a place he feels he is safe and where he will have a better future."

Maria and Tyrone have no close living relatives in the Philippines and Tyrone cannot speak Filipino. "If we have to go back to the Philippines we have to start everything from scratch. Tyrone will need to get used to the environment, the people and the language. "Whatever he has gained in Australia in the eight years we have been here, he needs to learn everything again." Maria is a registered nurse who works in the rehabilitation ward at the Townsville Hospital, helping amputees and stroke, spinal and brain injury patients rebuild their lives. "I'm trying my best to make a difference to look after patients that need looking after by a nurse," she said.

Beth Mohle, secretary of the Queensland Nurses Union, has made a submission calling on Immigration Minister Peter Dutton to grant the pair a visa and said Townsville Hospital would be losing valuable expertise if Maria was reported. "It is a regional area but there is particular skill needs," Ms Mohle said. "(Maria is) an incredibly loyal, hard working, valued member of the team in a specialised area of nursing." Ms Mohle said it was important to raise awareness on the prejudices and preconceptions surrounding autism. "So many people are on the autism spectrum and many make a great contribution to society," she said.

"We don't know that there is going to be a problem, and it's inappropriate to assume Tyrone will be a burden in any way." Maria said she is feeling uncertain about the future. "I can't plan to own my house, buy my own house, or settle here," she said. "I don't know when they are going to ring me saying you need to go." A spokesperson for Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the visa was refused because the child did not meet the health requirement and it is up to the applicant to seek further review.

The spokesperson added the care of an individual during their stay in Australia would likely result in significant costs on the Australian community. A change.org petition calling for the minister to grant Tyrone and Maria a visa has received over 62,000 signatures.