I am running the London Landmark half marathon to raise funds for the Giving Tree Foundation. I have chosen the Giving Tree Foundation as this is a charity that is very close to my heart. My younger sister was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and upon this diagnosis told she would never speak. I am jubilant to say that this has not been the case! My sister has gone on to graduate from a mainstream sixth form and moreover is now attending university!

This was not due to chance nor improper medical advice, this was the culmination of early intervention and many hours of hard work undergoing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disability that causes individuals to learn in a different way. ABA therapy is the only evidence-based therapy used to help children with ASD reach their full potential.

The Giving Tree Foundation are passionate about helping families access evidence-based early intervention therapy, in the form of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA). Presently, the NHS does not provide any evidence-based therapy for young children with ASD. Some families are struggling to even receive a timely diagnosis.

Autism affects roughly 1% of the UK population but it is estimated to account for £32 billion of spending per year on 'treatment.' I have used inverted commas for treatment because autism is not yet fully understood by the scientific community mainly due to the lack of research done in the area. As someone who has personally done research* in this area I can vouch for the void of research done in this area of mental health.

If you have any further questions on my motivation/story/anything mentioned above please do not hesitate to contact me!

One more thing, please make my day and donate!

Lots of love,

Dylan

* I was part of a research team for the 'National Autism Project.'