Run 40km for the estimated 1 in 40 Australians on the autism spectrum this October.
Recent studies suggest that an estimated 1 in 40 Australians are now on the autism spectrum. Thanks to greater awareness and increased assessments, the number of people needing support has increased substantially from the 1 in 70 previously thought, creating a rising demand for autism-specific services. We need your help now more than ever!
Run 40k, double it to 80k, or triple it to 120k this October. You can sign up solo, create a team or go bigger this year and create a community. This could be your workplace, sports club, local gym, school - the choice is yours but the good thing is that you can do with with people you love and get fit at the same time.
You'll help Autistic Australians receive vital assessments, access nurturing autism-specific education, specialist therapies, and adult community services. You’ll also support Aspect to create a more inclusive future for the Autistic community.
Sign up now and you will receive a free welcome pack and a pair of awesome Run for autism socks.
We have some exciting fundraising rewards for you to earn, as well as the chance to reveal stars on our star map as you reach your fundraising and running milestones.
- Raise $250, you’ll earn a singlet to run in.
- Raise $500 you’ll be in with a chance of winning a Rebel gift card
- Raise $1k to join our exclusive Runner of Fame VIP Club!
1. Sign up
Sign up solo Create a team
Create a Community
2. Set your goal
40KM 80KM
120KM Choose your own
3. Share
Tell everyone why you are running
Track your KM's
Become a Community Champion
You'll help us grow our community by promoting Run for autism to your networks, driving sign ups and supporting your fellow runners by offering encouragement, inspiration and tips.
Leo's Story
For a child on the autism spectrum, an early diagnosis means access to specialist therapies, services, and education during their crucial early formative years.
It means more tailored support at home and at school, that enables children like Leo to experience the joy of being a different brilliant®
Before Leo’s diagnosis, the road ahead was uncertain.
As a baby, Leo wasn’t responding to his name, or engaging with his parents. He had difficulty moving and lifting his head.
Leo’s Mum, Diane, tried to help her son as best she could. But without a diagnosis, their options were limited.
“The therapies we did before his diagnosis were unsuccessful,” says Diane. “Leo struggled at daycare due to a lack of understanding and appropriate resources.”
Leo found mainstream daycare challenging. His needs weren’t met, and he would mostly play by himself. When Leo received an early autism diagnosis, his progress began to speed up, and the road ahead became so much smoother.
Today, Leo is a social, compassionate and affectionate boy who loves talking to everybody.
Because Leo was diagnosed at an early age, he was able to access specialist therapy and support, helping him to thrive and reach his developmental goals.
With Aspect schooling, occupational therapy and speech therapy, Leo has made incredible progress, especially with language and communication.
With the support of his teachers, Leo is also exploring his love of numbers and can proudly count to 1,000.
Diane says: “An early diagnosis made Leo the boy he is today. I think many families would struggle without the right therapy, education and support.”
Become a Community Champion
Be a hero!
As a Run for autism hero, your fundraising efforts make it possible for Aspect to support children like Leo to get the most out of their education and develop lifelong skills that can improve their confidence, relationships and opportunities in life.
