A 12-year-old autistic boy has said "mum" and "dad" for the first time.

His parents standing in a room next to their son were astonished to hear him say the words.

And the family, who have just returned from a two-week revolutionary treatment programme in America, say that they know Thomas has more words that are just waiting to come out.

Autistic children find communicating with the world around them difficult.

Thomas's parents, Sima, 48, and Shaun Hunter, 47, who works for the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Agency near Didcot, have been following the Son-rise programme for just over a year at home.

They have a focus room dedicated to Thomas and the concept is based on play and understanding.

But it was a two-week stay at the Son-rise headquarters in Massachusetts that has really helped to break down some of the barriers standing in Thomas's way.

"It was the most wonderful experience of our lives, it really was," said Mrs Hunter.

"It was like heaven, better than we ever imagined it would be."

As the Aver reported earlier, Thomas spoke for the very first time in December, uttering the words "go" and "yes".

Since then the words have started to become clearer.

But the family hoped that going to America would deliver even more results for them.

For the two weeks they lived in a house where trained professionals worked with the family, hoping to encourage Thomas, who attends Uplands Special School, to talk.

In total he received more than 100 hours of intensive therapy.

"The facilitators really focused on the positive and even small things were celebrated," said Mrs Hunter, who has another son Scott, 14.

"Thomas's desire to talk has risen and he really understands the benefit of talking now.

"Whenever he makes a sound we had to move in a positive way so Thomas knows that talking brings results.

"He has come out with several words after being there like squeeze', tickle', scratch', blow' and nice'."

But it was two very special words that bowled his parents over.

"We were standing in the room next door watching Thomas and he just spontaneously came out with mum and dad," said Mrs Hunter.

"I couldn't believe it, I was so happy."

She added: "We have come away with a much clearer idea of where we are going and we know that Thomas has the words that are just waiting to come out."

At the moment Thomas spends about 12 hours a week in a focus room that encourages him to interact with his parents.

They are appealing for volunteers to come forward so the amount of time he spends in the room can be increased.

Anyone who would like to help Thomas can call Sima on 01793 762307.

Jason's on his bike for his son

ANOTHER Swindon family is also following the same Son-rise programme.

The Wards from Myrtle Gardens, Pinehurst, are hoping to raise enough money to take their six-year-old son Richie to America for the same intensive treatment that Thomas Hunter has had.

And to kick-start the fundraising dad Jason jumped on his bike and embarked on a tough 72-mile challenge.

The 30-year-old print finisher cycled from the family home to Weston-super-Mare's pier.

So far the family has £3,000. They need about £9,500 to take Richie to America.

"It was really good," said Jason, pictured left with Richie on Weston pier.

"When it started to get a bit hard I just thought about Richie and why we're doing this and that kept me going."

Mr Ward and his wife Sharon, 30, started the Son-Rise programme with Richie earlier this year. They are hoping to go to America as soon as they can but say there is a 15-month waiting list.

Sharon, 30, who has two other daughters, Carrie-Ann, seven, and Grace, two, said: "I was so proud of Jason, "We caught up with him in the car and we all cheered him on."

She added: "We really hope we can raise the rest of the money so we can take Richie for this treatment."