A FATHER of two with autism who was unable to hug his children because it felt like ‘burning on his skin’ has taken part in a unique challenge to raise awareness of the disorder.

Arsenal Whittick, 56, was diagnosed with autism seven years ago after his 15-year-old daughter Samantha tried to commit suicide.

Before his diagnosis, Arsenal was unable to show his daughters any physical affection and had never hugged them.

Last month, Arsenal set himself a challenge to hug as many people as possible at Bournemouth University and hugged 28 people, many of them complete strangers.

Arsenal said: “Until I was diagnosed with autism I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t do something as simple as giving a hug and the negative affect this had on my daughters.”

He added: “To me, hugging someone is like a burning on my skin. It’s like getting a potato peeler and when I look down I’ve got no skin and all I can see is red.”

Following Samantha’s suicide attempt, the family received counselling and the psychologist sent Arsenal for a referral.

Six months later, Arsenal was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and his family received support from Autism Wessex.

On Christmas Day 2014, Arsenal attempted to hug his daughters for the first time.

He said: “After I had given Samantha her present, I said ‘I have one more present for you. I want to hug you’. We tried for about 20 minutes because every time I got near to her it was like she was holding a dagger that was going through me. I hugged her and she just cried”.

Siún Cranny, Autism Wessex’ CEO, said; “I cannot express how much of a challenge this was for Arsenal. I was privileged to be one of the 28 people on the receiving end of a fantastic hug.”

Autism Wessex is celebrating its 50th birthday this year and the charity is looking for people to join their Team 50 by taking on a challenge of their choice to raise £50.

Visit autismwessex.org.uk/team50.