A mother, who had found herself growing increasingly concerned about her 11-year-old son's inability to form friendships with other children, decided to seek the help of social media users by explaining the issue in a moving Facebook post on December 27th last year.

Posting her message on a local group page, Catherine Butters outlined her concerns and appealed for help as she explained how her child, who has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD, desperately needed the companionship of other children.

And it appears that Catherine, who lost a child through suicide in 2011, really struck a chord with social media users who quickly inundated the concerned mum with messages of support and understanding following the publication of her post.

Feeling compelled to open up about the issue following a heartbreaking trip to the playground with her son, Catherine explained: "[I] am searching for a friend, a young friend under 11-years-old. For my son. Ashley, who is very lonely and has autism and ADHD but is desperate for a friend."
 


Determined to help her child, 49-year-old Catherine continued: "Not asking too much but just companionship now and again as he loves being with other children, but most kids round here back away because he is different."

Finishing her post with the suggestion that Ashley's friendship may in turn benefit another young child, Catherine wrote: "Ashley is a happy boy, but lonely. Are there any other kids out there who are younger and need a friend?"

Since posting the request, Ashley's mum, who has been understandably devastated to hear her son dubbed a "weirdo" by fellow children, has been the recipient of much support from families in the area.

Catherine, whose late son had also been diagnosed with autism, is determined to remove the stigma attached to the condition, and is currently contacting schools and colleges in the hopes of increasing awareness and understanding through various forms of education.

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