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 I  have decided to take part in few Running events this year . I am taking part in Sunderland half marathon , plus the Great North Run ( half marathon) this year to raise funds for a local North East Autism Charity.

The reason that I am doing these events are very personal to me. My wife and I started to notice that when our 5 year old daughter Ava was 2 year old daughter she seemed to be developing at a slower rate than that of our 2 boys, particularly with in her speech. 

I instantly dismissed this but my wife being the amazing mother that she is really knew that she wasn't at the development stage she should be. So she started to get professional medical advice. She took her to the local GP, Health visitors, Occupational therapists, speech and language and for sight and hearing tests. Very quickly it became apparent after a few assessment that my wife was correct (as she usually is) and this was just that start of many assessments before we got the official diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

We have been told that it is very unusual to get a diagnosis at this young age, especially in girls. We both held hope that we wouldn't get the diagnosis and that perhaps as a result of her being a month premature she was slightly more delayed than other children. But we both deep down knew it was coming and prepared for it. 

In January 2020 after almost a year of multi-agency assessments and hospital appointments she was finally diagnosed through a multi-disciplinary team with CAMHS. Although it was a relief to know that Ava would at last be getting the help and support she needs it was really overwhelming. 

Ava will be 6 in May and has surprised us in every way and continues to surprise us everyday .  like most kids her age she has good days and bad days and sometimes we do over analyse things and wonder if it is related to Autism or is she just being a typical kid. She has two amazing big brother's whom are very understanding with regards to her little traits. They are so understanding and are a credit to us.  Ava has come on a huge amount in the last few year and she is exceeding in a lot of areas that we never thought she would. She is simply amazing. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and we appreciate everyone has a charity close to them but anything donated would be greatly appreciated. We really want to try help not just kids with Autism , but their families, understand and cope with life with Autism. We are always happy to talk to any families effected by Autism.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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