"My 11-year-old superstar was diagnosed with Autism and finds it so hard when his dad is on Army deployment"
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A creative and wonderful boy has been commended for his bravery at handling military life after being diagnosed with Autism.
Will Maher, an 11-year-old from Thorney Island, was recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shortly before starting secondary school. His dad is an Army soldier in the Royal Artillery, with the family often having to move at short notice and Will’s father often being away for several months on deployments.
Honouring his resilience and determination, he has been awarded a Little Trooper of the Month medal by the military children’s charity by Little Troopers. His mum Julie said she couldn’t be prouder of her son.
“The last few months have been particularly hard,” she said. “Will has recently started secondary school and having only been diagnosed in the last year, has found this incredibly challenging. His best friend also moved to boarding school and his dad has just deployed on a six-month tour.
“That is a lot for anyone let alone a small person with a huge imagination. Will amazes me every day. He has proved to be resilient and strong even though most of the time he doesn't recognise it in himself. He is an amazing artist, a promising guitarist and has some incredible dance moves! We are so very proud that Little Troopers have recognised him as the superstar we know he is.”
The Little Trooper of the Month award celebrates children with parents serving in the armed forces who have been inspirational and handled several challenges. Despite these challenges, Will took part in a brilliant fundraising challenge with his sister Zara and his friends. They walked around Thorney Island and raised £240 for the charity.
As well as receiving his medal, Will received a certificate and £100 in Hobbycraft vouchers. “I’m really grateful for being nominated and really looking forward to spending my voucher,” he said. “I was happy to raise money for Little Troopers and really enjoyed it, I will definitely do another challenge.”
Charity founder Louise Fetigan said: “Will has done incredibly well coping with so much in such a small amount of time. Military life is tough for any young person, but the extra challenges that Will has faced recently can make it a massive struggle. We are so proud of the way he has coped and delighted to award him Little Trooper of the Month.”