AN INSPIRATIONAL teenager with autism has proved his condition is no barrier to success as he has been accepted on to a gaming course.

Jordan Shults, or J Shu as he prefers to be known, wants to continue learning as educational support for people with autism is harder to find after school age.

With the support of his mum, Vanessa, Jordan, 19, of Longridge, Colchester, will be starting a Level 2 media and gaming course at Colchester Institute in September.

Mrs Shults, said: “This is amazing as his ultimate goal is a degree in gaming.

“As a 12-year-old that’s what he wanted to do. “ Vanessa added: “This is not a degree, it’s a year-long course at Level 2 to make sure he is not too stretched.” Vanessa has been campaigning to break down barriers for people with autism in education.

She said if someone was in a wheelchair they would not be prevented from continuing learning and she said her son should not be treated any differently.

She said: “Jordan is really happy about it, he will be learning about coding, designing and marketing.

“We are also hoping to get the college involved with Autism Awareness.”

The family has been raising awareness of the National Autistic Society in order to help other youngsters like Jordan. He has just finished studying A-level in photography along with GCSEs in media and English at the Colne Community School and College, in Brightlingsea. He received a D for his photography – beating his predicted grade.

Mrs Shults said: “It was just us against the world before now, but now it’s not just about Jordan. It’s about helping others as it’s a long struggle.

“From a personal point of view we have been doing everything ourselves but people just need to know there is something positive at the end of it. People with autism can be creative and successful, there’s a bigger picture. But my priority is to get Jordan set up for life as he is amazing.”