I am walking for National Autistic Society to raise awareness for Autism and help an organisation that support families with their specific challenges. It's not hard to imagine that having an autistic sibling had a huge impact on my life and childhood. I have particular experience of growing up where knowledge of autism was minimal and support even rarer. I truly admire my mother for her relentless drive to support my brother and not accepting the status quo for autism around her.  

Now about me :) I am often asked about how difficult it was growing up with an autistic sibling. I never know how to answer as my brother is only 1 year younger than me and I don't know any other life. I know that I have had challenges but I would not be the person I am today without these experiences. What I do remember is the confusion of  a 5 year old not understanding why her brother was different, my parents trying to get a diagnosis, and my brother being rejected from school. It took a long time to realise that my brother's condition was one shared by many.  I want more families to be aware of autism and know what support they can have, which is why I am walking with NAS. 

I think the idea of walking during the night where our senses are different is a good way to relate to Autism, as I know my brother perceived the world in a very different way than I do.