Lisa McAtamney

I’m running this October for the 1 in 40 Australians on the autism spectrum.

Not too long ago my boy with the purest heart of anyone I know said he wished he didn’t have Autism because then he wouldn’t be the weird kid. 

Hearing this my heart broke for him because of how he is perceived by people who don’t understand he doesn’t see what others see, he doesn’t see he tries to do something anything really that will make him smile and chuckle so joyfully that makes even strangers smile, he doesn’t see how incredibly smart he is there are not many people that have the memory recall this kid has and he doesn’t see his pure heart that loves without limits, if you hurt he hurts because what he hates most is someone he cares about being upset, he lives for hugs no matter how old he is getting. He also doesn’t see the strength, determination and bravery he has to use everyday just to face sights, sounds, smells, people, activities and animals all those things that neurotypical people just don’t notice can overwhelm him and that’s scary but he faces it all head on while also trying to pick up social cues and respond appropriately. 

Because of all those reasons and many more for the month of October I will be walking 40kms (more if I can) to help raise awareness, understanding and resources that is needed to help kids like my Charlie a.k.a my Bug. 

Please if you can only spare just $1 think about sponsoring because even the smallest amount will help, it will help with funds needed to teach kids that neurodivergent kids/people are no different to themselves which will decrease bullying and the effects bullying can have on a person especially a child. More funds raised means more resources being available to help people on the spectrum live independently and have lives just like their neurotypical peers. If enough awareness and funds are raised there will be less heart breaking moments like my Bug is currently going through where he is wishing to be someone else.