The Sun: I learned loads working with autistic actors
Her character takes autistic police records worker Patience Evans, played by Ella Maisy Purvis, under her wing.
Laura, 49, learned loads filming with her co-star, 21, who has the condition in real life, and hopes the on-screen duo can inspire others.
She said: "I think an autistic person can portray an autistic character from the inside out, and certainly gives an interesting perspective.
"However, I don't think neurodiverse actors should be limited to playing only neurodiverse roles. I think good actors have imagination and empathy and can play a huge range of characters.
"Each character furthers their understanding of autism as the show progresses."
Bea is struggling to accept her son might be autistic and finds being a detective easier.
But her connection with Patience helps her understand the condition.
Laura added: "Bea realises that Patience sees things from a different angle. She makes connections that otherwise may have been missed, and this perspective becomes invaluable to the department.
"Bea finds Patience at turns intriguing and annoying. Bea is uncomfortable at first - she finds Patience rude.
"They slowly become friends, and Bea comes to admire Patience. They continue to have misunderstandings as they navigate this new working relationship, but Bea really comes to value Patience, not just as a colleague, but also an excellent friend."
Ella feels lucky to be part of a project that doesn't use old tropes.
She hates when TV shows suggest people with autism don't have feelings and took pride in proving folk wrong with emotional storylines.
The actress said: "Why wouldn't you want the person with the most experience to play a role that is so shaped by the way in which they experience the world?
"Neurodivergent people experience the world in a unique way. The kind of perspective that comes from lived experiences can't be learnt, and so when you're casting for roles which have neurodiversity as part of their character it's really important that those voices are being heard. "That way, you can bring a level of authenticity to the narrative that would otherwise be lacking."
She added: "I think sometimes autistic characters can be portrayed as incapable of feeling things like love or romance, and within the script I could see there were hints of this connection Patience had with one of the characters. It meant we got to have this lovely moment between these characters, and we see Patience as a fully rounded character who's treated like an adult rather than being infantilised.
"Working with a team so open to collaboration allowed us to have so much more authentic storytelling."
And while there was one established Glaswegian on the cast, there's another just starting to make a name for himself.
Connor Curren has spoken out previously about being an autistic actor and was aware he didn't see many people like himself on screen.
The rising star, 28, said: "I think it's all about representing people who, historically, have been massively underrepresented despite the fact that neurodivergent folks are ubiquitous in this industry.
"So it's a great idea for us to tell our own stories when we haven't often had the opportunity to do so. "I was attracted to this project due to its representation of autism and neurodivergence as well as its mission to be authentic in its casting."
Connor plays Billy Thompson, who runs the support group Patience attends. The volunteer is worried police work is too dangerous for her. He added: "We meet him chairing a meeting for Autistic Adults, a support group for individuals on the spectrum. He is very much a diplomatic and compassionate person, working through his own mind by helping others work through theirs.
"Patience is a member of the Autistic Adults support group, and Billy shows concern for her, as her involvement with the police is not only potentially overwhelming, but also a source of palpable danger.
"Working with the amazing actors in the support group was incredible, having all these neurodivergent talents in one room was a really special experience."
l Patience starts at 9pm on Channel 4 tonight.