I’m running this October for the 1 in 40 Australians on the autism spectrum.
I’m running 40km this October to raise funds for the estimated 1 in 40 Australians on the autism spectrum!
Increased awareness and understanding means more people than ever are being diagnosed as Autistic – connecting more people to the support they need to thrive throughout their lives. But it also means services are being stretched further than ever before - with many children left on long wait lists at critical times in their development.
I spent my childhood knowing I was different to my peers, and then at the age of 13 I was diagnosed as autistic. Receiving my diagnosis made me feel validated and safe and I was connected to resources to help me thrive. I went through a lot to get my diagnosis, which I pushed for myself as a young teenager with my mum’s unwavering support. An earlier diagnosis for me could’ve helped me feel less alone as a young child and connected me to support sooner, when I needed it most. There are many other children in Australia who are feeling like I did when I was younger, and to allow them to feel more safe, accepted and connected more money needs to be raised and utilised for autism research, autism-specific education, specialised therapies, community services and assisting those in need of a diagnosis and support. Everyone deserves to have a strong understanding of their identities and the tools and resources to help reach their full potential, and often for autistic individuals that journey can start with a diagnosis, just like it did for me.ÂAny contribution, large or small, will help create a more inclusive future for Australia’s Autistic community.
Thank you so much!
