A NEWPORT teen has been shortlisted for an "Outstanding Personal Achievement" award in the Autism Hero Awards 2015.

Adam Henderson, 14, from Newport was nominated for the award that recognises and celebrates the achievements of children and young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).

Adam currently lives and studies at Ty Coryton in Cardiff– a school run by Orbis Education and Care, which specialises in education, care and residential support for young people with ASCautistic spectrum conditions.

Head of education at Orbis, Lucy Pottinger, said: “We work with young people who need a lifetime of bespoke, specialist support, while others are able to live relatively independent lives.

“However ASC impacts, at Orbis we believe the response is all about the individual, not the condition. This example has been set by Adam and two more of our pupils, who have been nominated for Autism Hero Awards.”

Adam was nominated in the education category thanks to his commitment to academic and extra-curricular activities at Ty Coryton, where he is supported by specialists.

In line with World Autism Day, Orbis Education and Care is launching an innovative new campaign to transform perceptions of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

The year-long "Awesome! Super! Clever!" campaign aims to re-define the way that ASC is perceived and will encourage the public to look beyond the condition itself and focus on the unique qualities of people on the autistic spectrum.