The Amazing Thomas

Autism, Thomas, his mum, and Dan

July 10, 2003

Most of you who frequent DanRadcliffe.com know we have of late been doing many things in celebration of Dan's birthday. We created a scrapbook for Dan made by submissions of his many fans all around the world. We have also been sponsoring a fund-raiser for the NAS (National Autistic Society) as well. Recently, I have come in contact with Mandy. She is the mum of an Autistic boy, Thomas.

Thomas participated in our scrapbook project. He sent in a submission that he created himself, with a little help from his mum. I was only too happy to hear the joy it brought him and his mum to be a part of this and I thought it would be nice to share her kind words with everyone. She has agreed for me to share this, so I thank her very much for that.

Mandy's letter to us :

Thomas had great fun writing his letter to Dan. Thomas insisted Dan have 2 cards ! Haven`t quite worked out why? He has finished it, and it should be winging its way to you tomorrow. It may not look like very much when you see it, but he tried his very best with his pencil-AND GLUE!!!!! As with most Autistic people, it can be hard to get them to complete tasks ...... he did run off a couple of times in his excitement!
The funny thing was, Thomas kept humming the Harry Potter tune whilst he was busy writing.- PURE MAGIC!

One card is Blue with Thomas`s writing in red on the inside and the other one is white with Thomas`s writing on the front.You will understand what I mean when you see it! Thomas has also stuck a small picture of himself in a bright green star (Modest isn`t he!!?)within the card he created.

The Harry Potter films are his favorite and he can now recite parts of the script!! He even hides in his seat when he sees Mr Dursley- He`s not too keen on him, because he shouts at Harry! When I took Thomas to see Harry Potter for the 4th time in the cinema ( he has no concept of money!!) at the end of Chamber of Secrets, everyone is clapping Hagrid`s return . Thomas promptly stood up and started clapping -So the audience joined in too!! Its always eventful going places with our Thomas! His understanding, and his excitement of the film has helped him in many different ways!

I`ve just looked at your website to get an update- I have to say it's the best I`ve visited!- It must take you ages to get all the info on to the site. Thomas enjoys looking at the changing pictures of Daniel, its very visual for him- He likes that!

Thank you for your encouragement regarding Thomas. As a parent I have appreciated your efforts to include him. You have been most kind in waiting for his letter,- I`m sure you`ve been inundated with letters, cards etc from all over the world and to wait for Thomas`s has meant an awful lot to me and Thomas- once again THANKYOU!

Daniel has obviously taken an interest in helping people with Autism, otherwise he would not have agreed to make the expressions film with the Autism Research Dept. Understanding people with Autism is difficult and working with Autistic people is not everyone`s cup of tea! To me, as a mum, I feel Daniel`s willingness to be involved with the expressions film demonstrates a deep level of maturity, and caring! which is a rare quality in someone so young , AND with the world at his feet !!! His efforts should be commended, he has set an example to the adult world of acting !

I and countless others who live and care for people with Autism , need as many allies as we can get in order to highlight awareness of this very disabling condition. Well done to you as a website!!!! You will be achieving this through your site, through your efforts for the NAS Donation. You have made it happen!! THANKYOU!

I`ve been telling friends and relatives about your site and I`ve been telling them how supportive you`ve been . Those with a computer are going to log onto your site.

Please keep in touch Jenna!!, its been an absolute pleasure writing to you!
I`ll keep you posted (if you want me to) on Thomas`s development. I`m sure he`d send you a birthday card or 2 ! -if he new when it was.

Your website is the tops! I`m sure Dan appreciates your efforts too! I`ll sign off for now, but stay in touch.
With love and best wishes from a very happy boy and his mum!
Thomas and Mandy

Thank you Mandy and Thomas!

I am so very happy that Thomas had such a great time doing this! Just knowing this makes the entire project worth while! I only wish I could do more...

Note about the photo above

I posted a picture of the front of Thomas's white card to Dan, the blue card is inside the white one. I erased his surname from the card to preserve his privacy. The writing on the front and the drawing he did himself! Way to go Thomas!