I just saw a movie I dare say every caregiver must see: “After Thomas”. It followed a great documentary called “The Autism Puzzle”.

The Autism Puzzle Filmmaker Saskia Baron brings personal insight to this historical examination of autism. Baron’s older brother Timothy was one of the first kids in Britain to be diagnosed with the condition in 1961, a time when autism was largely misunderstood by doctors and the general public.

After Thomas Inspired by a true story, this film depicts the struggles of a couple to care for and communicate with Kyle, their six-year-old autistic child. Thomas, a golden retriever, enters their lives and opens the door to possibilities the family could never have imagined.

Press Comments “After Thomas was sans sentimentality … and proved to be the best thing I’ve seen on ITV in ages. Which is remarkable because the story – about a severely autistic child whose mind is unlocked by his touching relationship with a golden retriever puppy – had enormous schmaltz potential.” (Times)

“In advance, After Thomas seemed certain to be an exercise in pure schmaltz. After all, it was a drama – on ITV1, on Boxing Day – about a six-year-old autistic boy whose life was transformed by the love of a good puppy. The result, though, turned out to be surprisingly powerful. This was thanks partly to the strength of the acting (including an astonishingly impressive performance from Andrew Byrne as the boy) and partly by the unfailing sharpness of Lindsey Hill’s script… Beautifully-made.” (Daily Telegraph)

“Given the usual coat of TV treacle, this could have been a sad, sweet, superficial drama but it was made with the close involvement of the real-life parents it’s based on, much of the dialogue was actually spoken and authenticity shines through every frame… it’s gripping viewing and a serious insight into this mysterious condition.” (Sunday Express)

From the press release on Hartswood Films’ website:

KEELEY HAWES (Spooks, Under The Greenwood Tree, Tipping The Velvet) and BEN MILES (Coupling, Prime Suspect, The Forsyte Saga) 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.

Following a six month search and over 150 auditions, six-year-old ANDREW BYRNE makes his acting debut as Kyle.

After Thomas is written by Lindsey Hill, directed by Simon Shore (Things To Do Before You’re 30) and produced by Elaine Cameron (Wonderful You, Border Cafe). The Executive Producer is Beryl Vertue.

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