In 2013 our then 3 year old son Lawrence was diagnosed with autism. He is mid-range on the autistic spectrum and has the associated challenges that go along with it - communication, social anxiety, behavioural issues, sensory overload etc. The diagnosis was no surprise - we already knew that Lawrence was on a different path to most others - and it officially marked the start of our family’s journey. 

The first couple of years were very tough as we struggled to work out what to do. Lawrence could not communicate and his frustration would frequently boil over into physical episodes harming himself and/or his carers. We knew that early intervention was key, and my wife has worked tirelessly on all the techniques we have come across. Lawrence has made great progress in the last few years. Above all he is a happy boy and is flourishing in our home school set up (mainstream school didn't work out unfortunately). 

We realised early on that Lawrence is a fighter. He deals with challenges on a daily basis that 99% of his peers don't have to. He rarely accepts that he can't do something he wants to do. As his father I found it difficult to adjust to parenting in a way I had not planned. How do I fulfill my role? What is my role? I am constantly evaluating. Boxing has provided a release for me. There were many times when the boxing ring was the only place my thoughts were not dominated by autism (the threat of being punched is a good way of focusing the mind!). 

I am raising money for Autism Research to promote understanding of the condition and therapies that can improve the quality of life for those affected.