Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I’ve decided to take on the challenge to run (ahem…walk 😅) 100 miles in October in aid of the National Autistic Society, a charity very close to my heart. After feeling triggered by President Trump’s claims that autism is caused by women taking Tylenol during pregnancy (a statement that is extremely harmful and also not backed up by science)… I want to raise money to support autistic families and improve awareness of the condition.

Autism is not a flaw or something that needs fixing/curing. It is a neurodevelopmental difference and a different way of experiencing the world. It is not caused by bad parenting, vaccines, diet or Tylenol (paracetamol)!

It’s a spectrum of presentations in which people process sensory information differently and they can communicate and behave in a multitude of unique ways. Certain environments (like schools!) can be extremely challenging for some autistic people.

Diagnoses of autism are rising because of changes to the diagnostic criteria and improvements in our understanding of different presentations of autism. For example, many girls have been overlooked for years because they present differently to boys and the diagnostic tools were based on research largely done on male participants. So even though cases of autism are on the rise and diagnoses are improving, many women and girls are still likely to be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression rather than autism.

Families also face huge challenges getting the support they need for their child due to red tape, lack of funding and lack of resources in local authorities and schools.

Any donations towards the charity to help autistic families or support to raise awareness of autism is greatly appreciated! ☺️🌈♾️