This January, I’m taking on something that both terrifies and inspires me: a cold-water swim every single day. No matter the weather, no matter how much my body protests, I’ll be heading into the water — because this challenge represents something much bigger than discomfort.

I’m doing this in support of the National Autistic Society, a charity that works tirelessly to create a world that truly understands, supports, and includes autistic people. Autism is part of the lives of so many families, friends, colleagues, and communities — and yet, all too often, autistic people are misunderstood, misjudged, or expected to adapt to a world that doesn’t always meet them halfway.

Cold water dipping might seem like an odd way to raise awareness, but for me it’s symbolic.

That first shock of cold is startling — your breath catches, your senses sharpen, and suddenly you’re hyper-aware of your surroundings. For a brief moment, you see, hear, and feel everything differently.

In a way, that reflects what many autistic people experience every day: a world that can be overwhelming, unpredictable, or out of sync with how they process things. My daily dips are a reminder — to myself and, I hope, to others — that we all experience the world differently, and that a little understanding can make an enormous difference.

My goal this month is simple:

Raise awareness. Encourage empathy. And get us all to think a bit more about how we communicate with others.

If you’re able to support the National Autistic Society, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every donation, big or small, helps fund vital services, advocacy, and support for autistic people and their families.

Thank you for cheering me on, warming me up, and helping build a more understanding world — one freezing dip at a time.