This is the kind of image that stops you in your tracks - and it's even more remarkable when you hear the story behind it.

It was described by one person as resembling a Rembrandt.

It was in fact painted by a thirteen year old who also has Autism.

Zara Craig is a student at Ballyclare High School in Antrim but hasn’t been back in class since the start of the pandemic. Her special educational needs coordinator, shared Zara’s painting and it has been shared more than 20,000 times since.

Mum Gillian said she allowed it to be shared to break stereotypes – reinforce the positive stories of Autism. Alison Curtis spoke to Mum Gillian and Zara about her amazing talent.

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/08/15131129/ANTRIM-AUTISM-ARTIST-ZARA-CRAIG.mp3"][/audio]

Here is the original post:

My wee one in year 9 has given me permission to share her first oil painting - I mean I'm speechless... 13 years old... she just amazes me - art is a type of therapy for her ❤ I think her art teacher Mrs Conlon will be happy too... well done Zara 9E 👏 pic.twitter.com/GzCGbKS79x

— Ballyclare High SEN (L. Smith) (@sen_bhs) August 2, 2021

Having autism and some physical disabilities often requiring her to use a wheelchair, she has also been dealing with severe anxiety.

Completing her schoolwork from home, the family say artwork has become a form of therapy for her.

The reaction was HUGE AND POSITIVE.

Twitter gets a bad press but according to her Mum Gillian this was hugely positive and encouraging for Zara.