Emma DAmore

I’m joining the movement to Run for Autism. But I need your help.

Why I'm Running 70km This October

My son Archie, now 4, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3. He requires substantial support (Level 2) with social communication and very substantial support (Level 3) for restricted and repetitive behaviours.

This challenge is deeply personal to me, because 70% of Autistic people experience mental health challenges. That’s why I’m running 70km this October, for Archie, and for every Autistic Australian who deserves the chance to thrive.

I’m running towards a more inclusive world, one where Autistic people can access the support, education, and services they need to live full and meaningful lives.

Your donation will help:

1. Fund life changing autism assessments (These assessments can cost families up to $2,000. I was fortunate to have mine fully covered due to being a single parent facing significant hardship at the time. But I know many other families delay getting these vital assessments simply because of the cost)

2. Provide autism-specific education

3. Support specialist therapies and adult community services

Your support doesn’t just help others, it also fuels my motivation to keep running throughout October.

Please donate today and help create a better future for Archie and thousands of others like him.

Thank you so much.

Em & Archie xx

P.S

Ten Things My Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

1. I am first and formost a child. I have autism. But it doesn’t define me. Please see me for who I am, not just as "autistic."

2. My sensory world is different. Sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures can feel overwhelming or even painful. What’s ordinary for you might be intense for me. (Shout out to Aaron from Bar x Bar barbershop in Manly! Archie get's so overwhelemed by having his hair cut it takes us up to an hour to get Archie's haircut & this man is the definition of patience.)

3. I think in concrete terms. I interpret language very literally. Phrases like “hold your horses” or “it’s raining cats and dogs” can be confusing.

4. Please be patient with my words.  I’ve worked hard in weekly speech therapy, going from non-verbal to speaking 5 word sentences in under a year!

5. I’m a visual learner. Pictures, symbols, and routines help me make sense of the world far better than spoken instructions.

6. Focus on what I can do.  Like every child, I have strengths and talents. Encourage those instead of dwelling on what I find difficult.

7. Socialising can be hard but I still want connection. Not all autistic people want to be alone. We just need some extra support and understanding to build relationships.

8. A meltdown isn’t a tantrum. It’s an intense, involuntary response to being overwhelmed, not a choice or a form of manipulation. I might cry, scream, hit, shut down, or lose the ability to speak. My nervous system is in distress, not disobedience. (This point is for the woman that aggressively approached my son and I Coles at Stocklands Balgowlah yelling at my son's face to "SHUT THE HELL UP" only making matters worse).

9. If you’re family, love me unconditionally.I might not always show it in typical ways, but I need your acceptance and patience more than anything.

10. Believe in me. With your support, I can learn, grow, and thrive in my own unique way.