After a lifetime of struggling to understand a world that seemed alien to me, from a tricky childhood leading to self harm, two suicide attempts and a Crisis Team intervention, being diagnosed with severe anxiety/depression/Bipolar Disorder/Personality Disorder… finally, come 2023, at 23 years old, I was diagnosed with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder.) I have been and continue to be lucky. I’ve always had a roof over my head and a supportive family and now, I can voice my needs as I learn and continue walking my path understanding my brain a little better. But I still face ableism and with harmful figures like Trump in positions of power spreading hate, shame and fear, ableism is being fed. Not all autistic children and adults are as lucky as I am. We need more awareness, more understanding, more funding and ultimately, more inclusivity.

So! This October, I'm taking part in the 100 miles in October challenge in aid of the National Autistic Society. The National Autistic Society are there to help the 700,000 autistic people in the UK and their families - be it running specialist schools, campaigning for improved rights or training companies on being more autism-friendly, they are dedicated to transforming lives and changing attitudes. Your donations towards my efforts are greatly appreciated and not only that, but they will also be a huge help in creating a society that works for all autistic people and their families, thank you! 💜