PONTYPOOL, Wales:  Christopher Telfer suffers from a severe form of autism that has left him with major learning difficulties and behavioural problems.

His parents, Philip and Julie, have to give 16-year-old Christopher constant care and attention, which puts a great strain on their lives. Their dream was to be able to stay together as a family and, thanks to a charity, their dream is coming true.

The Telfers have just had a special sensory room fitted in their Pontypool home where Christopher can go to feel calm and relaxed.

Julie, 37. wrote to Promise Dreams, a charity set up to help seriously and terminally ill children and their families. Christopher's dream was to have his own quiet, well-protected sensory space at home like the room he uses at school.

Philip, 44, said: "It gives us a break because he can just go there and chill. He can't hurt himself or others in there. It will help his development and there is a window, so we can keep an eye on him. He loves it. He can't wait to come home every night. Because Christoper is content, we are content. There's less pressure on us."

The comfortably furnished room, complete with sensory equipment, costs £5,000.

Mrs Telfer said: "The room is amazing. Having the right home environment is vital for Christopher and the safety features within the room means he has a lot more freedom to run around. We can't thank Promise Dreams enough."

Christopher's parents have both had to give up work to look after their son, who can only go to school part-time.

Christopher has limited communication skills, is noise- and visual-intolerant and often has screaming fits, making it difficult for the family to live close to others.

The Telfers were lucky to move into a specially adapted bungalow in Abersychan last year with the help of Charter Housing. Their new home is called "Dechrau Newydd," which is Welsh for "new start."

Mr Telfer says: "Our dream has always been to stay together as a family. With the bungalow and this new room, our lives and Christopher's standard of living will hopefully improve."

(Source: South Wales Argus, March 22, 2005)