'˜Don't pick on people with autism' - carer's appeal

Christina Creedon, 17, a student at St George’s Academy, helps her father care for her 15-year-old brother, Charlie, who also has autism.

She spoke out after hearing the treatment another autistic teenager had been subjected to on a trip into town.

Christina, from Silk Willoughby, who wants to eventually work in the mental health sector, said: “I am disgusted to hear that some kids think it’s OK to harass and make fun of him.

“Autism is becoming a more and more common condition and the awareness is minimal.

“It is not something to laugh and tease individuals about. It is something to live with everyday, same goes for the parents.

“Their brains don’t work the same, but it doesn’t mean they should be treated any less.”

She said instead of laughing and making fun of people with autism, others should offer help and guidance when needed.

Christina told The Standard that it wasn’t the first time the teenager in question had been picked on and put in danger as his condition spurred him to run into the road to get away from the taunting.

“It is horrific that some children would do that,” said Christina. “Someone had also caught two kids spitting on his head - it’s disgusting.”

Christina has received an outpouring of praise from members of the community in support of her stance and her Facebook post about it has been shared numerous times.

Nathan’s mum was grateful for all the messages of support from people and said: “All my son is doing is going about his everyday routine.”

Christina, who is friends with the boy’s family, said he goes out occasionally to get a pizza or go to the shop to give him a bit of independence.

She wants to raise awareness of the condition among younger individuals to help them be more understanding.

“People with autism have the same rights as any individual,” she said.

Christina’s post has prompted people involved in support clubs for people with disabilities to share details with offers of help and others even suggested setting up a new local group to provide a safe environment.

She has been deeply involved in caring for her brother, who attends Willoughby School in Bourne, and enjoys respite care activities such as swimming.

Her family have also raised money for the school through Sleaford Lionesses.