A similar case in Arizona (I think) has been the subject of some discussion recently.
The extent of this person’s disabilities are not entirely clear nor is it clear if a physical or a mental condition is involved in the possibility of him not being able to swallow and consume the host. Any baptized person who is not prohibited by law can and must be admitted to Holy Communion. I think BrotherRich’s comments are quite appropriate and expand with some details.
Since baptism, by fact or desire, is necessary for salvation (c. 849), he cannot be impeded from being baptized if he has not attained the use of reason. If his use of reason is mildly impeded, he must be able to manifest some desire to be baptized and some understanding. That condition would need assessment. From the little information given, it would seem that his mother can present him for baptism.
Certainly a baptized Catholic with some developmental or mental disability who is capable of distinguishing the Blessed Sacrament from ordinary food and is properly disposed to receive the Sacrament, etc., should not be impeded. Several laws of the Church are relevant. Canon 213 provides: “The Christian faithful have the right to receive assistance from the sacred pastors out of the spiritual goods of the Church, especially the word of God and the sacraments.” Canon 843 §1 provides: " Sacred ministers cannot deny the sacraments to those who seek them at appropriate times, are properly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them." Canon 912 provides: “Any baptized person who is not prohibited by law can and must be admitted to Holy Communion.”
So the reason why he appears unable to consume the host or rejects it has to be examined. Those suffering from autism or dysphagia or texture aversion present a variety of shades of difficulty, and the particulars need examination. There is also the problem presented by the BBC poster saying “in case.” We do not know if this is likely based on observation or speculation.
If a person cannot receive Holy Communion under the species of bread, he may receive the Precious Blood, even in a small amount, and of course, it is correct that the host may be offered in smaller portion. Communion to the very sick often involves this approach, and the administration of water to assist the person to swallow. In all honesty, the pudding notion does throw me for a loop, although I would assume that the intentions are wholly reverent. Those who administer Holy Communion in hospitals and nursing homes also know that it is useful to bring extra corporals in the event of mishap.
At least in the U.S., the “Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities,” notes that “Cases of doubt should be resolved in favor of the right of the baptized person to receive the sacrament. The existence of a disability is not considered in and of itself as disqualifying a person from receiving the Eucharist.”
In any event, the individual case should be brought to the attention of the diocesan bishop for exam and resolution.
