Sense Awards 2025: Young Person of the Year
Asa
Asa is a carer to his parent, Ry, and enjoys channelling his energy into what he calls his ‘useful hour’ – where he does useful things around the house to help out the family. Asa and Ry are both neurodivergent, and Ry has a number of energy-limiting conditions which mean they use a wheelchair and need support in the home.
Ry says Asa, nine, is “my arms and legs”, providing support with tasks like vacuuming, tidying and laundry. Asa – who enjoys taking part in Sense’s Siblings and Young Carers Group – says: “Being a carer is pretty fun. Sometimes it can be stressful, but most of the time I’m very happy because it’s taught me a lot of lessons.”
Descriptive transcript of Ry and Asa's video
Ry and Asa are sat on the sofa in their home. Ry has short hair. Asa is a boy with long hair. Both wear glasses and are wearing black t-shirts.
Voice in the background: I’ve got a bit of news for you.
Ry: I became disabled about four years ago.
A picture frame full of family photos on their shelf.
Ry: Asa adjusted to this incredibly.
Asa fills a washing machine with laundry and vacuums their home.
Ry sitting on the sofa talking about their son Asa.
Ry: He picks up a lot of tasks that a nine-year-old wouldn’t normally do, but it’s the emotional awareness.
Asa and Ry on the sofa listening to a voice off camera.
Voice in the background: You’ve not just been shortlisted, you’ve won.
Whilst sat on the sofa, Ry and Asa hug in celebration!
Ry: Oh, I’m so proud of you.
Ry: I’m so proud of you dude.
Asa smiling proudly holds up his Sense Award for Young person of the year.
He totally deserves it. It’s really nice to be recognised. He does so much for me, and for us, so we can have the best life we can together. I really am so proud of him.
Asa’s parent, Ry
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