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Community Gift: Walk for Autism

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This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to Walk for Autism 2022, raising much needed for funds to support children and adults on the autism spectrum.

Held on Sunday 27 March to Sunday 3 April, Walk for Autism is a free virtual walking event, which means you can do it at your own pace and in your own time. Along with many other people, I’ll be walking 10,000 steps a day for 8 days to raise money for Autism Spectrum Australia, a fantastic organisation that provides support for people of all ages on the autism spectrum.

Autism is a lifelong condition and an estimated 1 in every 70 people in Australia are on the autism spectrum. Along with their family members, this means autism is a part of daily life for over a million Australians. It is likely you know someone – a family member, friend or colleague.

Autism is different for everyone. People on the autism spectrum see, hear, feel and experience the world differently.

Trying to cope with the everyday can cause stress and anxiety and prevent people on the autism spectrum from fully participating in the world around them – leading to feelings of isolation and exclusion.

Differences in social communication, strong interests and repetitive behaviours mean interacting with others can often be unpredictable and confusing. Being over- or under-sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells or light can cause sensory overload and make physical and social situations challenging.

By either taking part in Walk for Autism yourself, or by generously sponsoring me or another walker, you will help break down the barriers that keep people excluded and provide the best opportunities for people on the autism spectrum to engage, participate and thrive in the world around them.

And there is more you can do!

It’s up to all of us to adapt our behaviour, perspectives and environments to be inclusive of all people. Some of the best opportunities for people on the autism spectrum are provided when the people surrounding them make some adjustments.

My daughter Lara is on the spectrum. Like all people on the autism spectrum, she experiences life differently, but as I have come to learn, that difference is something to be treasured.

But things that come easy for most of us are often difficult for Lara and those like her. Early intervention and ensuring they have the right support is vital. At Aspect, they work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum, providing a tailored support journey that continually adapts to the needs of each person. Their approach means each person is understood and valued for their unique abilities, supported through their challenges, and given opportunities to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential.

Every dollar that goes towards support makes a difference. Together, we can create a more inclusive Australia – one step at a time.

YOU CAN SPONSOR ME AT: https://www.walkforautism.org.au/fundraisers/rebeccaconnolly/walk-for-autism

REGISTER FOR WALK 4 AUTISM AT: https://www.walkforautism.org.au/

LEARN MORE ABOUT AUTISM SPECTRUM AUSTRALIA AT: www.autismspectrum.org.au

Copyright © At The Coalface Communications Pty Ltd

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