A six-year-old autistic boy who has ‘never had a friend’ now has his first buddy – a cute Cockapoo pup who is finally bringing him out of his shell.

Cameron Costelloe, of Dunblane, Scotland, has been unable to make any friends as his autism created a barrier between him and other children, according to mum Shona Costelloe.

Even when the youngster first met pup Coco, his condition meant he would push her away when she tried to play and refused to let her sleep upstairs at night.

But patient and loving Coco has slowly won over Cameron’s heart and now the pair are inseparable – playing together, watching cartoons and cuddling up in bed every night.