Julie saw light at the end of the tunnel - and aims to spread it

When Jack, the son of Julie and Neil Thomas, started having temper tantrums, the couple naturally thought it was the “terrible twos” phase.

Julie said: “We had a number of behaviour problems.

“Going into supermarkets became difficult and Jack not being able to play with other children. Jack did not know how to socialise.

“A child with autism going into a supermarket can go into sensory overdrive because of the lights, noise, smells, colours and touch.

“They have high stress levels and if you do not know about their autism, it can appear as a temper tantrum.”

Because of Jack’s behaviour, he was diagnosed as autistic as a three-year-old and with that knowledge the couple were able ensure that their son, now aged six, got the support and understanding he needed.

Now Jack has mainstream education at Thorns Infants School, with the help of a dedicated teaching assistant.

“Some children are very intelligent but don’t have the capacity to understand metaphors, body language or facial expressions.

“They take things literally. If I say ‘It’s raining cats and dogs’ Jack looks at me incredulous because he can’t see cats and dogs.”

Julie, aged 39, and husband Neil, 45, of Saville Grove, have three other children, Kim, 16, Jordan, 12, and Lily, nearly two.

Julie said: “Neil and I were in what seemed a dark and lonely place because we did not know others in a similar situation and not knowing how to cope with Jack.

“We don’t want others to go through that. The help-group is about sharing knowledge.

“By organising our events, we are helping like-minded people to meet, socialise and learn from others who have seen the light at the end of the dark tunnel. ”

The launch of the Special People help-group ties in with World Autism Awareness Day tomorrow.

For more information on meetings with guest speakers in Kenilworth phone 857558 or email [email protected]