Teenager says 3D printing venture changed his life

A 17-year-old boy says opening his own 3D printing business has helped him to improve his social skills and learn about "banter".

Reece, from Worksop in Nottinghamshire, told the BBC he struggled to make friends when he was younger due to his autism, which can make social interaction and communication difficult.

The teenager, who also has epilepsy, said he felt like he was "not important" because of his struggles, but speaking with customers and marketing his business had improved both his confidence and communication skills.

"It's made me feel a lot happier, it's made me feel more talkative," he said.

Reece said he launched his business when he was 15 after receiving a printer from his family to support his love of model skyscrapers.

"I love skyscrapers, I have done for a few years now, so I thought it'd be nice to make models to compare the sizes," said Reece, who lists the Burj Khalifa and The Shard as his favourite buildings.

He then began to sell his work to afford better printing equipment.

"As I've grown, I've been selling more and just trying to come away from skyscrapers, just getting better with 3D printing," he said.

Reece now produces a variety of products, including items that support other people with health issues and disabilities, such as hearing aid accessories and communication tools for non-verbal children.

"I want to help people because I know what it's like," he said.

He makes about £17,000 a year selling his work, shipping orders as far away as Chicago.

His business requires him to speak to clients and advertise himself on social media, and he believes this has helped him with social interactions.

"I understand banter now," he said. "I've made it a routine. I think I might understand sarcasm in a few years if I keep doing this."

Reece now runs four different printers at home, day and night - even while at college - to complete orders.

His sales success and promotional work have also seen him become well known locally.

Father Thomas said Reece struggled with his first social media video and had to repeatedly practice before he was comfortable in front of the camera.

"Now he thinks he's a celebrity," Thomas added.

"With all the struggles that Reece has gone through in his life, the operations he went through, his epilepsy, the diagnosis of autism... he's come out smiling at the end of it.

"I just want him to be happy and healthy. He's my best mate, I love him to bits. I'm very proud of him."

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