AN inspirational youngster with ADHD and autism (ASD) has won a national award for spreading the message that 'different is good'.

Marcus Wilson, 12, has already spoken at more than 12 events and conferences across the country with his honest, articulate and humourous way of explaining life with the conditions.

He was first diagnosed with ADHD aged six and ASD aged eight but has refused to let it hold him back and is encouraging others to have to same attitude.

Marcus' grandmother, Jean Fitzpatrick, who lives with him in Chapelford, recalled: "We knew there was something different about him but he was very bright as well and we saw he stood out in a few ways.

"He had some difficulties at nursery and school and when he was in year four he was moved to a specialist provision."

Jean is chair of Warrington Parents and Carers which supports those who have children with disabilities and additional needs.

She explained: "We hold an annual conference and we always try and get a young person to talk about what it is like for them.

"We were looking for someone who had been through work experience, about 16 or 17, but we couldn't get anyone – it's difficult for someone to get up and talk like that.

"Marcus is very bright, bubbly and articulate.

"I asked one day if he wanted to get up and talk about his ADHD and he sat down and put a presentation together."

On the back of Marcus' debut appearance, the ADHD Foundation asked him to speak and now Marcus, who is the foundation's young ambassador, is in high demand.

Jean said: "He really enjoys it and he doesn't talk about it in a negative way.

"He calls it his 'Super Powers' – everyone has a gift."

Marcus talks in school assemblies, as well as large events such as the National Paediatric Conference at Imperial College London, where he become the youngest person to deliver a speech there.

After his momentous efforts to spread awareness of the positives of ADHD and ASD, Marcus has won a special award.

Jean said: "He was nominated for Genius Within's Achiever of the Year and won out of thousands of nominations.

"He struggles with crowds and self-esteem and he overcomes all that to stand up on stage and talk.

"It's about building his self-esteem and get him to accept that he's doing great, to let him know that we are all proud of him.

"For him to do what he does is just amazing."