Back when I was diagnosed with autism in 1991, not a huge amount was known about it. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the National Autism Society and other people wanting to understand autistic people around the world, those of us with autism are often much more able to help ourselves navigate the world, and neurotypical people have a better idea of how to help us when we need it. I've been to university, held a variety of interesting jobs, organised my own travel around Europe and live independently - all of which probably looked implausible at the time of diagnosis.

Still, there is much work to be done. Expanded horizons mean more things to be learned, so that autistic and neurotypical people can more easily help each other make the world a better place for everybody.

£2.24 can pay for an information pack for someone whose child has just been diagnosed with autism. These didn't exist in 1991, and they save a lot of time in finding people who can help.

£7.50 can pay for someone to call the Helpline and find out how to solve an autism-related problem. Being able to get assistance with small problems can make a big difference.

£12 can pay for a befriender to help someone with autism learn how to make friends with a neurotypical person. Having at least one good friend is vital to everyone living in a society.

Last year, the Chesterfield Half & Full Marathon route went past my house. I saw it and thought, "That would make a superb challenge". Having not run since my school days, the half-marathon looked like a suitable challenge. The aim? To beat the bright green roadsweeper that collects the cones and re-opens the roads when the time limit is reached.

Beating the roadsweeper will not be easy; I have the mind of an athlete (from 2 decades of disability swimming) but the body of a... ...non-athlete. In training, I've done:

- five 5 km races in a local park (including getting lost once)

- won the prize for "best hair" after coming last at the 6 mile Comic Relief race in Chesterfield

- took the chequered flag at the 10 km Silverstone in 1172nd place, just beating the ambulance (Silverstone's equivalent of the roadsweeper)

- *almost* finished the 5 mile Double or Quits at Ilkeston, before discovering that I am not Mo Farah

- lots and lots of walking, jogging, running, gym sessions and swimming, to build the necessary fitness

My unofficial PB for a half-marathon distance is 3 hours, 30 minutes, and the roadsweeper collects anyone unlikely to finish the half-marathon in 4 hours, 15 minutes. I will give my best for the challenge - because I want to see the day when everyone understands.

Thanks for taking the time to visit and support me and the National Autistic Society.

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