A heartwarming video of a seven-year-old boy with autism saying his first word has gone viral.

When Nadia Shaw captured little Dylan saying Mama she decided to post it on social media.

And within days it had been shared thousands of times with people from across the globe commenting on his amazing achievement.

Nadia, 32, said she's overwhelmed with the response.

"All mummies get teary and joyful when their baby says their first word. I experienced that same level of joy when Dylan attempted to say "Mama" – mummy – at the age of seven," she said.

"I was very lucky to capture that very special moment. I decided to share this on Jesse Evans - Autism Adventures blog (a Millom boy whose adventures are recorded on Facebook) and I didn't expect it going viral, especially being picked up by Autism Speaks (a New York charity.)"

Nadia, who lives at Holly Bank in Whitehaven, says being a mum of a non-verbal special needs child comes with incredible blessings as well as incredible challenges.

"Dylan has taught me how to have overwhelming joy in life's littlest things," she added. "Without him, I would take so many things for granted.

"Days can be a guessing game, moments can be emotional meltdowns and sensory overload but we cope and remain positive.

"This is a huge achievement for Dylan as he has never spoken a word."

Dylan, who attends Whitehaven's Mayfield School, was diagnosed with autism when he was two.

He has a "massive understanding" of words and numbers, says Nadia, but has great difficulty in expressing them.

Nadia has praised the amazing support she receives from other parents whose children have autism as well as the Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland Group and everyone at Mayfield School.

"We can only do our best to spread awareness and be perfect parents to Dylan," she added. "That means loving him, accepting him for who he is and embracing his autism. He is awesome and uniquely beautiful just like everybody else."

Watch the video which has spread worldwide of Dylan saying his first word at www.whitehavennews.co.uk