Why Do Autistic Children and Adults Latch On To A Show Like Doctor Who?

The reason that shows and stories like Doctor Who are so popular is normally because the rule structure is very simple. This is the good guy, those are the bad guys, and good guys win. I also like the Doctor's dislike of gun's and weapons. Using his intellect to solve almost anything rather than using violence. Even when violence is shown to him. I love the science that's in the programme as well as the character's enthusiasm for things we consider ordinary.

I had recently sent a letter to Peter Capaldi. I wrote to him when he started filming his first series. I was very attached to Matt Smith's Doctor and was finding the idea of regeneration difficult as I'm not great with change. He wrote back to me and my Daddy just before the series was due to air on the TV.

Then, just a week later, my Nanny Helen died very suddenly. I was very close to Nanny and I didn't understand all the things I was feeling when my Daddy told me she was gone. Dad emailed Peter's agent Emma, who was very kind, and explained the delay in writing back to Mr Capaldi. When Mr Capaldi heard what had happened, he sent me a special video.

This is the video Mr Capaldi sent me. This video message arrived 2 days before Nanny Helen's funeral. He gave me the courage to say goodbye to Nanny properly, but also gave me the strength to help my little sister too. What he said in the video made me think of how I felt. Made me understand that it is something that we all have to face one day. Whenever I feel sad, or upset, I go back to this video, and the Doctor makes me feel better every time. I remembered something that the Doctor says when he is asked why he calls himself "Doctor". He says "It's like a promise we make. The name we choose. Never cruel nor cowardly. Never give up, never give in". I try to remember that when things are tough.