The Golden Dash Dragons

We're running (at least) 40km this October for this delightful Lambo Lover and the 1/4 Australians who are Autistic

When we say we, Matt is leading the charge. Not just because he is a runner, in his own words, taken totally out of context, I apparently run on the spot. It’s not that much of a stretch, but I will be trying to do some running - full disclosure I may also walk. 

Named “The Golden Dash Dragons” 🐉 by the beautiful Nash, who loves gold and dragons and tells me most days I should have called him Dash. I don’t think he realises how fitting the name is given the sponsorship colour and the connotations with dash.

Increased awareness and understanding has led to more people than ever being diagnosed as Autistic. It also means that services are being stretched further than ever before. I waited about 9 months for the verbal diagnosis, another 3 months for the written one, another 8 months post-diagnosis for the report, and then about 9 months in total for the NDIS as well. In the end, I had NDIS early intervention funding 4 months before I had the report to accompany the diagnosis saying I needed funding. I am lucky. I know of people waiting much longer for those things. I naively assumed once I had a diagnosis and funding, it would be smooth sailing. I then had to navigate a complex system of support services, with most providers at capacity and some therapies not available because of workforce shortages. Children are left on long wait lists at critical times in their development; to receive a diagnosis, funding and therapeutic support. 

I am grateful to have such a supportive workplace, partner and family (even though they live far away). It takes time to get appointments, to go to appointments and to start building momentum. Not to mention time away from obligations like work, as well as time away from family, friends and from other people in our lives that we care about.

We have joined Run for autism to raise funds so more Autistic Australians can access the life-changing assessments, autism-specific education and specialist therapies that they need to create their own brilliant future. Accessing supports is only one piece of the puzzle, but it’s an important one 🧩 Sometimes providers may be the only type of support that an Autistic child and their family have.

Any contribution, large or small, will help to create a more inclusive and supportive future for Australia’s Autistic community.

Thank you so much for your support 💚 and to Matt for carrying the lions share with his weekly running! I just didn’t want overcommit (him) to the 80km, so we will see how we go. 

- Matt and Carly 🏃🏽‍♂️‍➡️🚶🏻‍♀️‍➡️