A ROAST dinner with her family was the best Mother’s Day present Victoria Langdon, from Hakin, could have asked for this year.

Sunday, March 15, marked the first time Victoria’s six-year-old son Kieran Frank was able to sit and eat a hot meal with his family, without having a ‘meltdown’ – as Victoria describes it.

Kieran has autism, which affects his ability to communicate with the world, and means he finds many aspects of daily life upsetting and confusing.

But, thanks to an incredible local fundraising effort that raised almost £9,000, Kieran’s family have been able to pay for ‘life-changing’ support for him.

The money paid for an intensive five-day course at Skybound Autism Therapies Centre, in Wiston, and for therapists to visit Kieran at home after school.

Thanks to his therapist’s special training and support, Kieran can now have his teeth brushed, have his hair cut, and has progressed out of nappies – all things Victoria never thought would be possible.

“We were in complete shock, we couldn’t believe it,” said Victoria, describing her son’s transformation.

“We thought we’d never be able to cut his hair.

“It was so traumatic for him, he used to start holding his breath; he was scared senseless.”

He has also learnt to identify body parts and simple words, and can sit and enjoy a meal with his family.

“We had a roast dinner together for the first time ever, and it was just like eating with any other six-year-old, he was using a fork and everything. It was amazing,” said Victoria.

“I don’t know how to explain it, it’s like we’ve got a different child.

“He’s so much happier and calmer, because now he can tell us when he’s hungry or needs a drink.”

Victoria said she was indebted to everyone who helped fundraise for Kieran.

As well as friends and family running half-marathons, a gig in Milford Haven, a six-mile walk, raffle prizes donated by local businesses, various cake sales, a GoFundMe web page, and cheques from Haverfordwest Bowls Club and Featherbed Construction, a £1,000 donation from Tenby Round Table meant Kieran’s family could buy him an iPad and special apps, to help him continue learning at home.

“Because so many people helped us fundraise we were able to get so much out of it,” said Victoria.

“It may not work for everyone, but I think it would be fantastic if all autistic children had this opportunity.

“We’re just so happy and it makes his life so much easier for him.”