Meaghan Rich

I'm running for....Tilly The Bug

Hi, My name is Meaghan Rich and I am running for Team Tilly The Bug. 

Tilly The Bug is a page my Mum and stepdad made to share our autism journey, spread awareness and encourage more acceptance of Autism within the community. 

For those who don’t know, my younger sister, Tilly (8), has Non-Verbal Autism and Global Development Delay. An estimated 1 in every 70 people is on the spectrum. Along with their family members, this means autism is a part of daily life for over a million Australians. Tilly is 1 of those 70 people. 

I am a sibling of seven! Yep, I know! Big family, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! 

The sibling relationship tends to be the most long-lasting relationship a person has in their lifetime. The relationship I have with Tilly has really been life-changing. Life-changing in a good way! Life without Tilly would honestly, and genuinely be way less exciting, less interesting, and unfulfilling. I have learnt and grown so much as person since Tilly entered this world and was diagnosed with Autism. 

Tilly has taught me to be thankful and to cherish and love life. 

Tilly has taught me to stop wasting my energy on things you have no control over. 

Tilly has taught me that not every struggle is visible. Autism is an invisible disability. 

Tilly has taught me not to worry about what others think… It is nearly daily that Till will have a meltdown. Some days these aren’t to bad, however other days these are intense. It is only recently that I have learnt to ignore others and their opinions. Tilly recently had a meltdown in public and someone asked me, ‘aren’t you worried about what other people are saying…?’ And to be completely honest with you. No. I am not… The only thing on my mind and that I am worried about is Tilly and getting her to a comfortable state and calming her down. I completely block out my surrounds and all my attention is focused on her. She is autistic, anxious and overwhelmed. Arms flapping, legs kicking, odd noises. Dead weight and pretty much impossible to pick up. This is a meltdown and please… if you don’t want to help or support us on this journey of ours. Please do me a favour and stop judging.  Its not hard to be kind! 

A lot of the time Tilly is in her own world. She cannot talk. She is behind in her age group, but that does not stop her. She flaps her arms and makes odd noises. She cries and hurts. She has meltdowns.  She loves her own space and being alone. She loves a cuddle every now and then. She loves being outside and playing in the mud. She smiles. She is Cheeky. She is beautiful. She is human! 

These are a few things about Till and only makeup a small part of her, she has a full life ahead of her and we are only hoping and trying to make it just that little easier for her in this big world outside of her world. We love seeing and watching her grow, it takes time but milestones for Tilly are massive achievements.

I am wanting to raise more awareness and show my support and in doing so I will be running for IN IT for AUTISM. I will be joining Craig my stepdad who is planning to run 50km. I will be doing and giving it my absolute best to smash out 30km! 

By coming together and taking action, we can help provide opportunities for people on the autism spectrum to participate, engage and thrive in the world around them. 

I would love for you all to help make my run challenge count and show your support by donating today! All donations, big or small are greatly appreciated.

Lots of Love, 

Meg (Tills Big Sister)