I’m Running for Autism! and need your help 🙏
Up to 90% of women and girls who are on the Autism Spectrum - will have experienced sexual abuse or gender-based violence in their lifetime.
70% of Autistic people also face mental health challenges…
As a late diagnosed Autistic, this has been my story. If I had of been diagnosed sooner…
I would have been able to understand my brain better, and have received the extra support, education, and accommodations that I so needed, while navigating the effects of complex trauma
I’m running for Autistic survivors, and to also help raise funds so that girls and women no longer go overlooked, undiagnosed, and dismissed.
My Story 📖
When I was 6 years old, I was sexually assaulted. PTSD and the trauma of that experience that I buried very deep, came to the surface in my teens…
I went into a deep depression, the feelings of pain, hate, confusion, betrayal, anger - was unbearable. Accompanied with the pressure of being in year 12, and not knowing I was Autistic - was all too much.
I went to someone I trusted to talk about what I was going through, who I thought would help me, - instead I was dismissed, not validated or heard in my suffering.
I came out of the conversation feeling even worse, and gaslit into believing that I shouldn’t feel what I was feeling…
The only logical way out of this darkness that I could perceive at the time, that would gift me peace, was no longer being alive.
So I planned my own suicide.
I remember feeling a deep peace when I had chosen a day. I organised my locker at school, I said goodbye to my friends in covert ways, I chose a night when my family wouldn’t be home.
Just moments before - a miracle happened - I didn’t go through with it.
I’m still here today, and I’m so incredibly grateful, and I thank God everyday.
I’m running towards a more inclusive world where Autistic Australians have the opportunity to thrive.
Please donate now and show your support to my fundraiser. You’ll be helping provide early diagnosis, autism-specific education, and critical research into mental health issues experienced by Autistic people so they can access the support they need to realise their different brilliant®.
You’ll also give me the motivation I need to log my kilometres as I go the distance throughout October. Donate now to show your support.
Thank you!
With Gratitude 🙏
Liv
