So, I have decided to run my first 10km in 3 years and I am proud to be running for Andre, my eldest son and for the National Autistic Society, a charity that has offers the support, awareness and education for those who have ASD and their families.  I have set myself a target of running it in less than 60 minutes.

It is organisations and charities such as the National Autistic Society that have paved a way for children and families with ASD to get the support they need to develop their skills to live a fulfilling life. 

My husband and I received Andre's official diagnosis in March 2018 of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but the diagnosis was not needed. By this point, we already knew he had autism even without the 'official' diagnosis.  By this time, Andre was already attending an ELP school and has been receiving the help and support he's needed to help develop his communication skills.

"Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others."

What I want people to understand the most is autism is not an illness or disease and cannot be 'cured'! They are also not naughty children! Children with ASD have meltdowns and not tantrums - the difference is they do not UNDERSTAND WHY they cannot get what they want.

I not only want to raise awareness to those who do not know what autism is and have this perception that they are 'naughty children' but I also want to show my support to all those families that have gone through what my husband and I have gone through. 

Can you imagine looking at your perfect son and not be able to understand why he is having a meltdown because he cannot communicate this to you? Or when he doesn't respond to his own name? Or even when you are looking at him in the eyes speaking to him but he's staring straight through you? - THIS is only a few of our daily struggles!  To the parents who have to work extra hard to learn patience and sometimes suffer alone, I am running 10km for you.

Going out in public is the biggest struggle! Eating out in restaurants, waiting in queues and being in large crowds.  It is the silent whispers or the stares from other parents and people with the look of 'control your child'.  And I have to response "my son has autism". To the families that go through this in silence, I am running 10km for you!

Andre you are perfect to me, and your autism is what makes you, YOU!.  Andre I am running 10km especially for you!

If you can spare anything, please donate, it is much appreciated.

Joysel xx