LAUIFI SAUFOI

RUN FOR AUTISM 5K EVERYDAY FOR OCTOBER

My why is my 9-year-old son, Gabriel.

Gabriel is autistic with Level 2 support needs and a speech delay. Through Gabriel, our family has experienced and learned so much about autism—but we also know that Gabriel’s experience is just that: his experience.

Because autism is a spectrum.

Every autistic person is different. They have their own personality, strengths, challenges, ways of communicating and individual support needs.

As Gabriel’s dad, I’m still learning too.

Our journey involves our whole family—his mum Noeline, his sister Grace, and his younger twin brothers Francis and Xavier. We’re learning together how to better understand, support and advocate for Gabriel while allowing him to be exactly who he is.

That’s why throughout October, I don’t want this challenge to be only about kilometres.

I want to use these 31 days to help raise awareness and understanding of autism in general.

I want to share what we’ve learned as a family. I want to learn more myself. I want to talk about communication, sensory differences, support needs, therapies, education, inclusion, misconceptions and the many strengths of autistic people.

Most importantly, I want to help people understand that there isn’t one single picture of what autism looks like.

If this challenge helps even a few more people understand autism, have more patience, ask questions, challenge a misconception or become more accepting of someone who experiences the world differently, then every kilometre will be worth it.

Donations to this fundraiser will support Run for Autism, but just as importantly, I’d love for you to follow the journey, share it and help spread awareness throughout October.

Gabriel is my why.

Autism awareness, understanding and acceptance is the reason I’m running. 💙

31 days. 31 runs. 155KM.