Autism crisis in Scotland: Can Scot Gov learn from a golden retriever?
The reason it is so touching is because it's about how important human connection and support is and how, for many without that support, their life is incredibly difficult.
I like to see Henry as a metaphor for the support that all autistic people should receive.
That reliable force which helps you live a positive, well-rounded life should be in place for everyone.
Sadly, however, many are left in a perennial limbo of great uncertainty and anxiety as diagnosis waits are absurdly high and there remains a lack of support for many.
A major survey report from Scotland's Autism organisations, covered by The Herald, found that half of respondents (50.65%) found it hard or very hard to get a referral for an autism assessment, with just over a fifth (21%) saying they had been refused a referral at some point.
Some even reported waiting over seven years for a diagnosis.
In the report, many described the current system in place as inconsistent and traumatic, with a lack of clear information and a postcode lottery for support.
Imagine the amount of stress and anxiety such a system would cause an individual and their loved ones.
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This limbo does not mean time itself is frozen.
It means people who need and require help are stranded and left to fend for themselves in a world already full of stigma towards autistic people.
The system is also leading to great inequality between those who can afford going private and those who can't. Some are forced to, and that can cause considerable financial hardship.
Just over a fifth (21%) of respondents sought a private diagnosis, with long waiting times and the absence of a local adult assessment pathways cited as key factors.
Organisations have called for the Scottish Government to introduce a national neurodevelopmental assessment guarantee, meaning any adult in Scotland can access an assessment pathway should they need to.
They also want to see a nationwide guarantee regarding timely access to assessments, an improved experience for people going through the process, and better provision of post-diagnostic support.
A Holyrood committee has just launched an inquiry into treatment pathways and support for ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
However, we cannot let this inquiry drag on and we cannot allow for this issue be kicked into the long grass.
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The Scottish Government has accepted that long waits are unacceptable but, for those experiencing this deafening silence when it comes to support and diagnosis, this is not good enough.
People are making incredible sacrifices, they are stranded and have been let down.
They are beyond giving the government a pat on the back for partly recognising the problem.
What good does that do?
The journey of getting an assessment is not an additional service or a nicety, it is an essential as many face a crisis situation.
It is not right that autistic people should be consigned to a life of isolation.
Scottish ministers should take a leaf out of our furry friend Henry's book.
They should have his empathy and support at the forefront of their minds to fix the problems causing so much pain.
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EXCLUSIVE 'Neil Gray isn't fit to be Scotland's Health Secretary' mother claims
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