Olivia Taufalele

Running for Stanley and Sione

Hi everyone! 

As you all know I’m Stanley’s mum, Olivia and for the last year and and a half, both myself and Ben (Stanley’s dad) have been working alongside all of his therapists (speech therapist, occupational therapist, sensorimotor therapist, psychologist and paediatrician) to make sure he is reaching his full potential as a cool little young person. 

Recently, we have received his formal diagnosis that is, Level 2 Autism. It has been quite the journey navigating through applications for government funding, adjusting our parenting styles to new behaviours and making sure he gets the most out of his therapy sessions. 

But like most parents, I can say for my big boy, it is all worth it ❤️ 

Together with my son, my younger brother Sione has Autism also, so it’s definitely a condition we have always been aware of for a long time now.

Every week we learn something new about each of them and about living and understanding their Autism. They’re both such a great people and deserve to get the BEST out of their lives! 

So this is why I’m running alongside my team (THE THUNDER SISTERS) for Stanley and for my younger brother Sione, to make people aware of Autism and to create a world where no-one on the autism spectrum is left behind. 

I'll be running from Sunday 30 October to 6 November while raising much needed funds to support people on the autism spectrum.

An estimated 1 in every 70 people is on the spectrum. Along with their family members, this means autism is a part of daily life for over a million Australians.

People on the spectrum see, hear, feel and experience the world differently. For many, simply coping with the everyday can lead to confusion, anxiety and isolation.

By coming together and taking action, we can help provide opportunities for people on the autism spectrum to participate, engage and thrive in the world around them.

Help make my run challenge count and show your support by donating today!