DARYL Girling, of Frome, has not let autism stop him becoming a role model for other young people.
Although he has always found social activities and interaction difficult, he has overcome these challenges to help others.
His qualities earned him a Highly Commended prize in the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.
He has developed the courage to ask about his differences and worked hard to gain an understanding of the social skills that most teenagers take for granted.
He opted to help others with disabilities by passing on the skills he is learning and volunteers once a week at a local Special Educational Needs school, using a special patience and understanding with the children.
His award nomination reads: "He could easily have become isolated and withdrawn, instead he has developed into an exceptional young man and a positive role model for other young people with additional needs.
"To volunteer may seem simple to many but for Daryl to do so, he has to overcome his own fears and anxieties which is a huge step and requires real courage."
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