Join me in helping people Thrive, not just Survive: Run For Autism
This is my second year of participating in Aspect's Run For Autism.
At the end of this page, there's a newspaper article that was published last year detailing my own experience with Autism, the challenges I faced growing up undiagnosed, and my decision to pursue a diagnosis as an adult.
70% of Autistic Australians will experience a mental health crisis at some point in their lives. Our suicide mortality rate is also 3 to 5 times higher than neurotypical people.
And yet, the NDIS and Australian Government is making it harder for people to access the support and help they so desperately need.
Late last year, I experienced my own Mental Health Crisis just after I finished Run For Autism. I lost three friends who were neurodivergent to suicide within a short period of time, and experienced my own hardships that that led to me being unable to work, and relapsing into a severe eating disorder. More then six months later, and I'm still navigating my way out of this.
Despite this, I am still endeavouring to do this year's Run For Autism - as I believe it's important. Even if I have to walk, swim, or use a walking frame to get there.
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Why am I running 70km this October? Because 70% of Autistic people face mental health challenges.
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.
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'Surviving, not thriving': Why Elizabeth pursued a diagnosis as an adult
Tess Kelly, Journalist.
Published 30 October 2025
Growing up, Elizabeth Sly learnt to mask the qualities that made her unique.
The survival tactic kicked in after a hard transition to high school, where she was socially isolated, bullied, and taunted.
“I had no friends because a certain group had decided that I was just kind of weird, odd and not popular,” Ms Sly said.
“That was really hard, because I just couldn’t understand what I’d done wrong.”
Ms Sly struggled with speech impediments, overstimulation, and sensory and emotional regulation.
To fit in, Ms Sly said she started learning how to mask those traits and assimilate with the people around her.
“It became apparent to me that I was the problem, even though I wasn’t, so I had to change,” she said.
“That’s when a lot of the masking and becoming less of who you were came in to fit in and survive.”
To pursue a diagnosis, or not?
After years of wearing this socially accepted personality, Ms Sly decided to start the process of getting a diagnosis.
The journey, however, was one that cost thousands of dollars, took two years to complete, and involved a substantial amount of paperwork.
The prospect of a diagnosis would also result in increased insurance and ongoing treatment costs, which Ms Sly felt she had to weigh up.
She said there were also people in her life who cast doubts about the need to get a diagnosis after getting through more than 30 years without one.
“While I had built up things and supports to try and help me get through life, I would say I was surviving, not thriving,” Ms Sly said.
“I was just always wanting to know … why are certain things so much harder for me than it is for everyone else around me?”
Earlier this year, at 32 years old, Ms Sly was diagnosed with ASD 1 (autism spectrum disorder) and ADHD.
She described the diagnosis as a “relief”.
“It allows me to make adjustments that I wasn’t necessarily making for myself before,” Ms Sly said.
“I’m able to work with psychologists to work out what supports I need, and what little adjustments I could make in my own life to try and make my experience a little bit easier.”
Getting a diagnosis felt like a ‘privilege’
While the diagnosis was a relief for Ms Sly, the 33-year-old also recognised that she was in a privileged position to get to the stage of getting an answer.
She said the cost, timeframe, and paperwork could become a barrier for those trying to access the system.
“Everyone should be able to access this regardless of their financial status or where they live in the world,” Ms Sly said.
During October, Ms Sly has been raising money for Aspect through the Run for Autism fundraiser.
The fundraiser aims to raise money for diagnostic assessments, educational programs, and mental health supports to create a more inclusive world.
Participants are challenged to clock up 70 kilometres during the month of October, to represent the 70 per cent of people on the autism spectrum who will experience mental health challenges in their lifetime.
Ms Sly has raised more than $4000 and is ranked 12th nationally for the most money raised.
She’s also smashed the movement goal, already completing 90 kilometres during the month.
“Society can only really function to the best of its ability when we’re looking after the members of the community that need additional support and help,” she said.
“That’s the sign of a healthy, good community that I want to be a part of.”
