I watched a really good Drama last night ( Boxing Day ) called After Thomas. It starred Keeley Hawes, Sheila Hancock and Ben Miles.

I've cheated a bit because I found the followingreview on the Scottish Society for Autism's website. The opening scene shows Kyle and his Mother Nicola visiting a shoe shop.6 year old Kyle's reaction to the intrusion of a new pair of shoes into his world is something to behold and brings out various reactions from staff and customers in the store.

Being a parent of a disabled child who does display some autistic tendencies I can certainly sympathise with the plight of the Graham family. A couple of weeks ago our Daughter decided to sit down on the floor in Morrison's and then rolled around when we tried to get her to stand back up again.

The reactions of people around usually range from bewilderment to that " I know what I would do if she were my child" sort of look. Mostly people are sympathetic once they realise the nature of our Daughter's problems. I can however sympathise with the acute feeling of helplessness (brilliantly depicted by Keeley Hawes) when it does happen. Five minutes later It's all forgotten and she's smiling at the person at the checkout.

It's not often that my Wife and I get to watch a quality drama that we can relate to in terms of our role as parents to a disabled child. After Thomas was a good bit of TV. It isn't all doom and gloom because it does have a happy ending and the child's relationship with his pet dog is very touching although it does have some unpleasant moments.So if it ever gets repeated, take the opportunity to watch it, read the review below:-

A true story about an extraordinary friendship

KEELEY HAWES (Spooks, Under The Greenwood Tree, Tipping The Velvet), BEN MILES (Coupling, Prime Suspect, The Forsyte Saga) and SHEILA HANCOCK star in After Thomas, a true story of one couple’s struggle to meet the challenges of their child’s autism.

Kyle Graham is scared. Not of monsters under the bed like any average six-year-old, but of just about everything. And he can’t communicate his fears. His mother Nicola (Hawes) knows that Kyle wants to be left alone, safe and secure in his autistic world. But she also fears for his future if he continues to reject all emotional interaction. Her fierce determination to break into Kyle’s world has placed an intolerable strain on her marriage, as her husband Rob (Miles), although equally devoted to his son, is frustrated by Nicola’s relentless challenging of Kyle’s condition.

Into this maelstrom of conflict comes Thomas, a golden retriever puppy. Nothing could prepare Nicola and Rob for how Thomas unlocks the door to a personality they never knew their son had. What follows is a fascinating and moving tale of two parents who, at breaking point, find hope they never dared to dream of. Gritty and real, funny and heart-warming, After Thomas is an uplifting and moving true story.