Hi there.

I’m the Daddy of our gorgeous angel Gabriel, who happens to be autistic. My wife and I have recently become part of the National Autistic Society, to help bring more awareness and raise what money we can. We have previously raised money by taking part in the 5km Colour Walk in Battersea Park with the kids and I have now taken on the 30km Jurassic Coast Challenge - Trekking the beautiful Dorset coastline with the NAS.

Our journey with Autism has been at times extremely challenging but also very rewarding and gratifying. 

Gabriel was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Differences at 4 years old. He took an interest in things with repetitive patterns, for example, brick walls, fences, railings which he loved to run alongside them and watch how they wizzed past his face. He loved to put things in order and arrange things in lines on the edges of tables, pencils, water bottles, the Tabasco bottle was his fav!

Gabriel is stimulated by visuals and has a photographic memory. He loves reading books especially Superato and Don't let the Pigeon Drive The Bus. He will often draws scenes from the books for hours. He loves letters and spelling words. He loves Puppets, Minions, ice cream, swimming and aeroplanes. These things give him so much happiness and help him regulate.

We have come a long way and Gabriel has developed so much since receiving the right support. He's settled into mainstream school wonderfully and is thriving in his new learning environment. We are so so grateful for the support we have received. 

Raising an autistic child takes, love, patience, understanding and community. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your support