In September, we're to walk 100k with the Thames Path Challenge to raise money for a local Autism and Aspergers support group that we're a part Parents Talking Aspergers (aka PTA).

Jmie, my son, was diagnosed with autism at just 2 years old. At the time, I'd never heard of autism and proceeded to learn more via the internet, books and professionals. I knew no other parents or children with the same diagnoses and felt very much alone.

Years went by, and as Jamie got older it was clear that his autism was severe and that other issues were cropping up. He was diagnosed with severe anxiety and put on medication at the age of 10, moved to a specialist autism academy the same year and a year later diagnosed with SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder).

It was when Jamie hit age 11, I first met Karen Irvani. She was hosting an event at a local school... a clip I found in the local newspaper saying that a speaker on autism and aspergers was coming to talk... and that he is autistic himself. I jumped at the chance.

This is the point where loneliness ended. I was invited to come to Karen's support group. We meet every other week in term time. It's a fabulous way for parents and their children to get together in one place. We all have dinner together, there are activities to take part in (table tennis, pool air hockey, ipads, a computer room, tea and coffee on tap... and most importantly, no judgement and an opportunity to meet new people and discuss matters regarding our children. A luxury a lot of people dont have on their doorstep.

Myself and two other parents, Adele and Martin, who I met at this group and have become good friends with, have decided to take on this challenge to help raise money for our special group. Every time Jamie or I have a bad day, we have someone to talk to or someone who understands because Parent's Talking Aspergers exists. I hope that by raising money and awareness of this, that more and more families can find us too.