70km for a More Neuroaffirming Future
I’m running 70km this October because this is something incredibly close to my heart.
I was diagnosed as neurodivergent later in life. Like so many women, my traits went unnoticed for years — partly because of how differently autism can present in females, masking, and the barriers that can make accessing assessment and support incredibly difficult.
Even now, I’m considered high masking. I can often move through the world in a way that hides many of my struggles. But through my own experiences and the people I deeply care about and work alongside, I’ve seen just how different the level of daily support needed can be from one neurodivergent person to another.
I want to raise awareness, but more importantly, I want to see change. I want our schools, workplaces, healthcare and communities to become more understanding, accessible and genuinely neuroaffirming — instead of expecting neurodivergent people to constantly change themselves to fit the world around them.
There are millions of people who may go through life never knowing they’re neurodivergent, wondering why certain parts of the world seem so much harder for them.
And I’m also doing this for every neurodivergent person who has ever been made to feel like they can’t do something because their brain works differently.
I’ve heard versions of that my whole life. But being neurodivergent does not mean someone else gets to decide what your life should look like, what you’re capable of, or how far you can go.
Your story is yours. Don’t let anyone else dictate it.
I’m running for better understanding, greater access to support, a more neuroaffirming future, and to show other neurodivergent people that you can still chase the things you want — even when the world tells you that you can’t. ❤️
