A CARING teenager who is a lifeline for her neurodivergent brother has been nominated for a Young Champions award.

Harriet Sanderson, 14, who attends Penistone Grammar School, has played a key part in looking after her brother, Rowan, after their mum underwent an operation.

With Harriet’s mum, Helen, recovering from her operation, the youngster took a hands-on approach to looking after her brother, who is autistic.

After periods of distress, Rowan sometimes becomes physically reactive, with Harriet helping him to calm down and regulate his emotions.

Having recently received an autism diagnosis herself, Harriet went through a challenging time, but still resolved to take care of her brother’s needs.

Currently in primary school, Rowan is set to attend Penistone Grammar School next year, where Harriet hopes to look out for him and help him feel at home at his new school.

Harriet said: “I’ve become closer to Rowan since I’ve started helping out with him.

“He sometimes wants to get his own way and can get a bit physical with people so I’ll make sure to look out for him.

“Rowan got diagnosed with autism when I was ten, so initially it was my mum and dad taking care of him because I didn’t know a lot about it then.

“Getting diagnosed with autism myself was difficult and it affected me lots because I felt like people, especially my friends would see me differently.

“I’m more okay with it now and I’ve gradually learned that it’s okay to be different from other people.

“I’ve heard some people call autism a ‘super power’ because autistic people have something that others might not.

“Outside of school and taking care of Rowan I like baking, which I started because I’m doing a GCSE in food technology.

“I’m also doing my Duke of Edinburgh Award through my school.”