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The National Autistic Society are the UK's leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families. Since 1962, they have been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

One in 100 people are autistic, which means there are an estimated 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK. Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.

Reggie and Ned are two of those 700,000. Reggie was diagnosed ASD aged 38 months and Ned aged 31 months. Since their diagnosis of Autism, both Reggie and Ned have been diagnosed with global development delay with severely delayed speech, language and communication skills. A diagnosis so young is very important as it opens so many doors to help guide and support the boys now and for their future. Early intervention has been so important and has made a big impact on their development. 

An invisible disability makes it even more difficult for the public to understand and accept. Life is very challenging for the boys and us as a family because their way of learning, understanding and communicating is very different to a neurotypical. Anxiety, stress, sensitivity, meltdowns, repetitive behaviours, social communication and interaction challenges are a few things that Reggie and Ned experience on a daily basis. Endless forms, Appointments and assessments will continue for the foreseeable future but despite the stress and tiredness, we will always support our boys and do what’s best for them both. Autism doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with parents who never give up. 

So together as a family for the 3rd year running, Reggie and Ned will be taking part in the Super 60 challenge. The boys will walk a total distance of 6 miles during World autism awareness week (28th March- 3rd April 2022) on their favourite woodland walks. Auntie Beth will complete 10,000 steps from 28th March for 6 days reaching her target of 60,000 steps and will join us with Jetson on the boys last walk.

We will aim to do our last walk together as a team on Sunday 3rd April to complete the super 60 challenge.

Together we will have lots of fun, help change attitudes, to transform lives and help to create a society that works for autistic people.

Accept, Understand, Love. Three simple words.