Autism is a lifelong condition which affects the development of social and communication skills. It can affect the way an individual relates to people, situations and the environment.

Its a spectrum condition that affects each person in an individual way. Once you know one person with Autism, yoy know that ONE person with Autism. In Northern Ireland, 1 in 34 children have a diagnosis of Autism and many adults do not have a formal diagnosis.

The Autism Spectrum has always been of great interest to me and as I was very curious I attended a course to feed this curiousity a few years back. In turn, Autism NI is a charity close to my heart. I have worked with children who are on the Autism Spectrum and I am currently in the process of an Autism Spectrum Disorder referral for my youngest daughter Enfys. ASD referrals are a very long process not to mention challenging and draining. Living with Austistic traits are most definitately more challenging and different to working with them. Autism NI provide so much support and guidance to everyone, whether or not they have a diagnosis. Like all charities they depend on the goodwill of the general public to help sunstain them so they can continue to offer this support.

For several years I have seen the Zipline across the Lagan challenge but the date always coincided with family events; this year it hasn’t! So, although I used to drive cherrypickers and climb scaffolding I‘m actually scared of heights and get extremely nervous around open water.....For several weeks I have put off registering for this event for these reasons but on Monday I bit the bullet and secured the last available place (eeek). I’m already shaking at the thought of it but it is for a very worthwhile cause and I would really appreciate your support.

So if on the 19th August 1.30-2pm (my given timeslot) if you see a change in the sky, it‘s not some eclipse or anything....its just my ass going across the Lagan!