Once in a while, someone breaks through the scripted election campaign to put a human face on the fight over policies.

Christian Cedergren, 17, who has autism, produced one of these moments on Saturday afternoon in a shopping centre in East Maitland when he wrapped his arms around Bill Shorten and, through his tears, told the Opposition Leader what was bothering him.

Christian wasn't crying about himself but about his sister, who he said also had a disability that their school did not recognise.

"It's just so hard," said Christian as he began to cry.