A Derry family who appealed for help to find a friend for their autistic daughter are hoping that by reaching out, they can help other families in similar situations.
The family, who wish to remain anonymous, contacted former SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey, whose Facebook page is used as a Community Notice page.
The post said: "Pat I was wondering if there is any girls aged about 14-16 who would need a friend or would like to become a friend with our daughter of a similar age who has autism.
"She's a beautiful wee girl with a kind heart but struggles to make friends as she's socially awkward. In four years at secondary school she's never been invited to a party.
"She attends a few clubs in the evening but again can't make friends. She loves walking her dog and would love in a Saturday to go into and around town for a few hours with a like minded friend.
"We live in the Derry area. If you've a child with similar problem, maybe your daughter & ours might become friends."
The post currently has almost 900 reactions and almost 150 comments offering help and other parents in a similar situation reaching out.
The author of the post, the father of the young girl, spoke to MyDerry about the overwhelming response they received.
He said: "She is the best behaved child, she is extremely quiet.
"She has never been to a birthday party since going to secondary school. Her friends from primary school have moved on. It breaks my heart
"She likes having people around her, she would love to go into the town on a Saturday to go shopping for an hour but she has no one to go with.
"We are keen to develop her social skills. We want to set her up for the best shot at life. We do not want her to be lonely when she grows up and when we may not be here anymore."
The father of the young girl contacted Pat Ramsey and expected a couple of replies, but did not expect the response that the post received.
He said: "We were overwhelmed with the number of replies. What stood out to me was how many parents commented saying they are going through the exact same thing.
"Some of the replies were great and have a lot of potential. My wife met with one mum who commented and has arranged to meet some more.
"I would want to tell parents to just let their kids know to be conscious of the child that is sat on their own, who does not get invited anywhere, and to reach out to them.
"We are warmed by the responses, thank you to everyone who reached out. We are hoping that this will allow our daughter to make friends and for other parents to know that there are other people in the same situation as them."
There has since been an updated post on Pat Ramsey's page, thanking those who reached out and expressed similarity to the family's story.
The update said: "Pat we have been overwhelmed by the response. Only parents of a child with a learning disability know how difficult and worrying it can be.
"I would sell everything I have in a blink tomorrow if it would help our child.
"To any parent out there: reinforce in all your children to reach out to all kids especially the one who is quiet, looks and behaves differently, straggles along."
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