BBC America Presents a True Story of an Autistic Boy and His Dog
Wednesday April 18, 2007
Sadly, I don't get BBC America - so can't watch what certainly sounds like an engaging fictionalized version of a true story. Here's the description of the program, called "After Thomas" (Thomas is a dog named for... surprise! --Thomas the Tank Engine):
Six-year-old Kyle Graham is scared. Not of monsters under the bed, but of just about everything. And even worse, he can't communicate his fears. His mother Nicola (Keeley Hawes (ShakespeaRetold: Macbeth, Tipping the Velvet) 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. Her husband Rob (Ben Miles Coupling, The Forsyte Saga), although equally devoted to his son, is frustrated by Nicola's relentless drive to improve Kyle's condition and her resistance to putting Kyle into a highly reputable boarding school for autistic children.The show premieres on April 22 at 8:00 p.m. If you do catch "After Thomas," please let us know what you thought. And, of course, if you know the family on whom the story is based - let us know how true to life the TV show really is.Thomas, a golden retriever puppy, is a last desperate attempt. Although Nicola had heard that some autistic children improved with pets, 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. Gritty and real, funny and heart-warming, After Thomas is an uplifting and moving true story.
Comments
we cried all the way through this.. the frustration of the family and each of the scenes rang true with our own family experiences, although our break through came from the GF CF Diet and not buying a dog (although we did consider it).
I also cried throughout this movie. I could relate to most of the problems they encountered, although our son has Aspberger’s Syndrome and is not as severe as Kyle. We have seen major changes in our son, Zane, with medication and assistance from our school system. This is definitely a movie worth watching!
Here is a link to the press pack for the programme which also includes an interview with the real family.
http://www.autism-in-scotland.org.uk/documents/after_thomas.pdf
I just went to the BBC America site and found that this show will air again on Saturday, May 5 at 1 p.m. ET
This heart-breaking story moved my heart. Since I know an autistic boy and her mom, I confirm this story is highly realistic, and recognizable. Story really present in credible way how everyday life can be for familiy with autistic child. All joy the parents felt when Kyle surprised them with the smallest progress we normally take for granted, has been catched ‘right on the spot’ in this film. This true story is in its entirety highly comparable to my experience with autistic child in Norway.