Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I am running the London Marathon for the National Autistic Society and my daughter Amy. 

This is my story. When I was 21 I had my first child, Amy. By the time Amy was 18 months old it was clear that she was not developing as I thought she would. Amy did not speak, she did not develop self help skills and she found it difficult to play with toys.

When Amy was 2.5 years old she was diagnosed with Autism and Learning Difficulties. I was 23, a relatively young mum with one other child of 6 months. The first few years after diagnosis was tough. I didn’t know if she would be able to talk, dress, and wash herself or how she would manage when she was older. I was unsure of how to help and support her, and what her future would hold. The National Autistic Society online support and training programmes were a god send. I still direct new parents to them now. The support they give is amazing and whatever aspect of diagnosis, the condition, or even general advice they have it covered.

Amy is now 24. She is a wonderful young lady loved by me and her 3 siblings. She lives in supported housing and attends day care. Amy still finds it difficult to talk and tell everyone what she needs. Amy will always need 24 hour care, but Autism is what makes Amy, Amy. She’s funny, loving, and stubborn! She lights up a room and wherever she goes everyone loves her. Being a parent/carer of a young person with Autism can be challenging and you really never know what the future holds but services like the National Autistic Society really do help you through. Thank you for reading.

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