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A devoted dad whose little boy has suspected autism is setting up a youth club to help other children and parents going through the same thing.
David Ashworth, from Broadstairs, is planning to host free fortnightly events, giving parents the chance to talk and youngsters to get together, something he says will help them become stronger and more confident.
The 31-year-old’s own son Oliver, four, is thought to have autism, although it has yet to be formally diagnosed.
“We’ve been told there is definitely an underlying problem,” he said.
“Between the age of three and four they can’t officially diagnose; they try to hold it back as they want to make sure. It’s hard to go through it.
“Oliver didn’t speak for a long time and he started making noises and covering his ears - all the signs of autism. He didn’t speak until after three and he doesn’t really speak properly now, but he understands and says things back.”
Mr Ashworth, who runs his own carpentry business, says mixing with other children and getting the right learning has made Oliver progress significantly.
“That’s why I want to get more people together and keep kids socialising,” he said.
“The biggest problem is the social awkwardness; they curl up in a ball. Oliver has got over that now and I think that’s from having other kids around him.”
“This has made me want to do this kind of youth club for autistic children. It will help parents, too.
“It’s all about getting together and helping each other, making each other feel like ‘you can do this’.
“Everyone is the same; you panic at first and then with help, experience and advice, you can actually do it.”
The group would be free and, once up and running, Mr Ashworth plans to hold fundraisers including quizzes, fairs, sports days and litter clean-ups.
“I want to help - I have my kids laughing and smiling all day long and I want to share that with others,” he said.
“Life is about being happy, and seeing others happy makes me happy.”
Mr Ashworth is planning a launch event at the Nayland Rock in Margate on Saturday, October 19, from 1-3pm followed by a Halloween-themed party.
Follow Ashworths Autism Awareness @ashworthsAa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
To donate towards the social enterprise visit www.gofundme.com/f/1qy7wxr7eo
