Hannah McBride

Last week of Walk for Autism!

One of the most impactful ways to support Autistic individuals is through simple actions. Here are some practical steps you can take to create inclusive safe spaces:​

Be patient and understanding: Recognise that social interactions can be exhausting, and support needs may fluctuate throughout the day

Respect communication styles: Understand that expressions of feelings and thoughts may differ; listen actively and without assumptions

Support authenticity: Allow Autistic individuals to engage in activities in ways that feel natural to them, without trying to change them

Encourage interests: Take time to learn about and support the passions and strengths that motivate Autistic people

Be mindful of sensory sensitivities: Recognise that eye contact or certain environments (sounds and light) may be uncomfortable, and adapt accordingly

Provide consistency: Offer advance notice of changes to routines and allow time for adjustment

By sponsoring my walk, you're contributing to a more inclusive world where Autistic individuals are understood, respected, and empowered 💙

Week 2 completed

I have reached the halfway mark for Walk for Autism. Thank you to everyone that has supported my walk so far.

One of the easiest and most powerful ways to support Autistic people is by choosing words that include, respect, and empower. Here are a few things you can say that truly make a difference:

💬 “It’s okay to take a break.” – shows you respect sensory or social needs.

💬 “You don’t have to make eye contact.” – a simple way to reduce pressure.

💬 “You can be yourself with me.” – encourages acceptance and authenticity.

💬 “I believe you.” – when someone shares how they experience the world, this builds trust.

💬 “What do you need?” – keeps the focus on individual support, not assumptions.

💬 “You don’t need to explain.” – affirms that boundaries and preferences are valid.

These small phrases can have a huge impact 💙

Week 1 completed

I've just completed my first week of Walk for Autism and have already logged 100,456 steps! If I reach my fundraising goal of $500, I’ll commit to walking 12,500 steps a day for the rest of the month.

This walk is also about raising understanding. Here are some things you should know to help support Autistic people:

• Autism is different for everyone. There’s no single way to be Autistic—it’s a spectrum of experiences, challenges, and strengths.

• Social interactions can be exhausting. Many Autistic people “mask” to blend in, which can be emotionally and physically draining.

• Eye contact isn’t always comfortable—or necessary. Everyone communicates differently, and that’s okay.

• Feelings run deep. Just because someone doesn’t express emotions in a typical way doesn’t mean they aren’t feeling them.

• Autistic burnout is real. It often comes from the ongoing stress of navigating a world not designed for neurodivergent minds.

• Empathy goes both ways. Inclusion means meeting each other with openness, curiosity, and respect—from all sides.

By sponsoring me, you’re helping create a more understanding, inclusive world—one step at a time 💙

First walk completed!

I have completed my first walk for Walk for Autism. Thank you for all the support so far.

This year for World Autism Understanding day (2^nd April), Aspect asked Autistic people and parents what they want people to know about autism and what people can say or do to be supportive.

During this Walk for Autism, I will be sharing actions we can all take to better support Autistic people.

Every step I take is for a future that embraces neurodiversity💙

I'm walking 10k steps a day this May to support Autistic Australians

I’ve stepped up to Walk for Autism. Please show your support as I walk my own brilliant way for Autistic Australians and their families!

Did you know? Because the world is not autism-friendly, 70% of Autistic people in Australia experience mental health issues.

I've committed to walking 10k steps a day in May to fundraise for Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia). Can you please support me?

Your donation will help deliver services that support Autistic people to live their best life.

Funds raised can help Autistic people and their families access earlier diagnosis, provide autism-specific schooling for children on the autism spectrum, support research and help create inclusive, autism-friendly environments.

Please support my Walk for Autism and donate now. Thank you so much!