DIGGING out your old mobile phone could help a young autistic boy learn to tell the outside world what he means, thanks to a new charity initiative.

Mum Karen Marshall needs 185 unwanted mobiles to exchange for an iPad and a groundbreaking ‘Grace App’ to help son Jack, 10, communicate and learn.

The app has a basic picture vocabulary designed to be shown to other people to communicate what the user wants.

Jack could add to the list by taking pictures with the iPad’s camera or searching and saving images from the internet.

Karen, from Verwood, said: “At the moment Jack is just starting to read books children in Reception classes are reading – he’s in Year 5.

“I can usually tell what Jack wants but I want him to be able to learn to express himself independently.

“If I could get him an iPad to use with Grace App, he could be learning to communicate with pictures while practising each word until he is able to say whatever he wants.”

Since starting her Hearts and Minds Challenge three weeks ago, Karen has already collected 40 handsets.

Jack, who now attends Beaucroft School, was diagnosed aged three-and-a-half.

He had behavioural problems and was showing signs of limited social interaction.

To donate a mobile phone to be recycled, email Karen at kazdasmars@aol.com or call 07806986206.