Video: Raising an autistic child

Carrie and David describe how their happy child began to feel excluded and different when they started school. The outside world is so structured towards the neurotypical that it was causing a lot of damage to Tylan, who is autistic.

It is a misnomer that autistic children are not sociable. They want to be able to have all kinds of friends. But if they are excluded and don’t fit in anywhere, this leads to feelings of isolation, sadness and depression.

Tylan finally came into her own when they became an actor playing an autistic character for Hollyoaks. The company and other cast members were determined to understand Tylan. They constantly change the environment around them and make adjustments to suit Tylan’s needs. As a result, Tylan has flourished.