Aoife Roche

I’m Running for Autism Awarness! 70km for my person, and for everyone’s person.

My reason for doing this is my beautiful nephew, Caeden. 💙

Caeden is autistic and communicates in his own way. Spoken language doesn’t always come easily to him, and he may use fewer words to express himself, but communication is so much more than words. Caeden shows us what he wants, what he feels and, most importantly, his love in many different ways. And when he does choose to use words, they have meaning. He makes us laugh, teaches us to see and appreciate the world differently, and is an inspiration in more ways than he will ever know.

Through Caeden, and through the many wonderful autistic children and adults I have the privilege of knowing, I’ve also seen the journey of the people who love and support them. The parents, families and loved ones who advocate for early diagnosis, seek out the right support, celebrate every milestone and work tirelessly to make sure their person is understood, included and given every opportunity to thrive.

Because inclusion doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes it simply starts with understanding, patience, acceptance and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to belong.

So this October, I’m challenging myself to run 70km, something I haven’t done in a very long time! The 70km represents the 70% of Autistic people who face mental health challenges.

Funds raised will help support early diagnosis, autism-specific education and critical research into mental health.

So, the runners are coming back out!! If you’d like to donate, I would be incredibly grateful  and I may need that extra motivation when the kilometres start adding up!

For Caeden, for the many incredible people I know, and for everyone’s person.