This Christmas Billy is praying for gift of speech

People can help young Fife boy’s dream come true this festive season

If little Billy Thomson has his wish granted in time for Christmas it could see him speak to his parents for the first time.

The seven-year-old from Kelty suffers from severe autism and Asperger syndrome, which means he does not talk and is visually impaired.

Children’s charity Dreams Come True has launched an appeal for donations to buy him sensory equipment which would make progress in his speech more likely.

His father, Bryan, said: “To have Billy’s dream come true will mean the world to him.”

The sensory equipment would help keep Billy, of Kelty, calm enough to do language work at school and cope better with day-to-day life.

Bryan said: “If that were to happen it would completely change his and our lives.

“He would be able to talk to mum, dad and his teachers for the first time.”

Billy only communicates with Bryan and mum Sarah using picture cards to say what he would like and how he feels.

He can become anxious about noise and certain textures, such as rough surfaces, but equipment like a hug jacket and vibrating necklace calm him down.

Colourful fibrotic lights, ultraviolet light and other equipment such as sensory blocks and vibrating bubble tubes also help reduce his anxiety.

Billy’s wish of new equipment is one of 12 which Dreams Come True hopes to grant in its Christmas appeal for children with serious and life-limiting conditions.

Bryan said: “It would open up a whole new world to him with new possibilities.

“We could take the new equipment in the car so we can take him out on more trips. It will also mean he won’t get so anxious when family and friends come to visit. At the moment he tends to sit in his room by himself.

“The biggest impact it will have will be on his interaction at school.

“He will be able to keep calm enough to do language work, and sensory equipment provides greater chance of bringing on speech.”

Peter Newman, chief executive of Dreams Come True, said: “Being able to give Billy his dream of new sensory equipment would have a major impact on his and his family’s lives and could really help his development.

“We need as much help as possible this Christmas to fulfil dreams like Billy’s and change lives.”

To donate to the appeal visit www. dreamscomuetrue.co.uk or text TRUE12 £5 to 70070.

Billy pictured with his dad, Bryan.