Kathryn Samarakoon

I’m walking 7k steps a day this May to support Autistic Australians

This May, I’m walking 7km a day for autism — and this one is personal.


Our son Jude was recently diagnosed with autism (PDA profile). He’s bright, funny, and sees the world in a way that challenges and inspires us every day.


What we’ve learned is this: autism isn’t the problem — the world not being built for neurodivergent people is.


Around 70% of Autistic people in Australia experience mental health challenges — not because of who they are, but because of the constant pressure to cope in environments that don’t understand or support them.


I’m walking to support Autism Spectrum Australia and the work they do for Autistic individuals and families.


Throughout May, I’ll also be sharing little glimpses of our “day in the life” with Jude — to help build understanding of the everyday strengths and challenges that come with thinking differently.


If you’re a parent, one small ask: take a moment this month to talk to your kids about inclusion and acceptance. It can be as simple as “all brains are different” — and that difference is something to understand, not judge.


If you’re able to donate or share, it would mean a lot 🤍


I’d love company on my walks — if you want to join me any day in May, let me know.


I’ll also be doing a 30km walk later this month for mental health — two causes that are deeply connected for our family. Thank you for supporting either or both in whatever way you can.


My Walk Stats

Steps

0

My Goal

310,000

Nialll and Jess and the three R’s

$270

Thank you so much to my biggest supporter, Nialll and Jess and the three R’s, for donating a trailblazing $270 to help create a more autism-friendly world.

Thank you for your brilliant donation

Nialll And Jess And The Three R’s

$270.41

Inspirational!

Jessica Vallve

$256

I’m finding your posts incredibly moving Kat. Thank you for sharing your experience and helping to increase knowledge and awareness.

Tongy

$131.59

Anna

$106.12

What an inspiration you are, Kat! Raising such important awareness about autism. “All brains are different” is such a simple yet incredibly powerful message, and you are creating a positive legacy that will make a difference for Jude and so many others! Anna & H-Us xx

Kathryn Samarakoon

$106.12

The Rowlands

$106.12

Big love always x

Amile Samarqkoon

$100

The Barbaros

$100

So proud of you!

Bonnie Churchill

$100

You’ve done a fabulous job raising awareness and staying committed to your daily walks😊

Jen

$75.81

Awesome effort Kat!! Love The Moores xx

Adele

$75.81

Such a worthy cause and you are an inspiration!

Tm

$75.81

Amazing effort Kat, sending lots of love to you, Runny and Jude xx

Sue Pham

$75.81

So proud of you for turning Jude’s journey into something so meaningful. Raising awareness and support for autism through this fundraiser is such a beautiful way to advocate for Jude and so many other families. Your strength, love and openness will make a real difference 💙

Ky

$74.13

Go Kat and Jude ❤️💙

Jel

$70

Go you good thing Katty! What a wonderful thing to do and find time for with all you have going on. Big love from Jel, Illy and Luca the dog xx

Jess Byrne

$70

A great initiative Kat well done on your walking and awareness efforts :)

The Mackenzies

$54.84

Love that you’re doing this. 7km a day is seriously impressive - keep smashing it!

Matched Donation

$54.84

This matched donation has been generously provided by an anonymous sponsor.

Nic Edwards

$54.84

What a woman! Walk your little heart out! We love you and gorgeous Jude x

Sal

$54.84

You go girl! If anything can get you up on a cold rainy morning it’s this. So much love and admiration for you xxx Let’s make this would a better place for our kids!

Clare Meade

$54.84

Well done Kat, what a ⭐️

Crystal

$53.64

Georgette K

$50

This is such a brilliant cause. Looking forward to the updates, Kat! xx

Phil Anderson

$40.40

Ronwyn Van Der Zouwen

$40.40

Jude has the most determined Mumma in his corner. Xx

Lisa (bailey’s Mum)

$39.54

Go Kat! Thanks for doing this.

Tm

$36

Go Kat! You’re an incredible mum to all of your boys. Xx

Sarah H

$33.87

Go you good thing. X

Sarah Dunbar

$33.87

Go Kat! xxxx

Athanasia

$33.87

Big love to you all on this journey!

The Grainger Family

$33.87

You’ve got this supermum, you’re incredible Kat!!

Natalie Greening

$30

Amazing work Kat.

Ange Joel Riley Eloise X

$28.43

Amazing work Kat ❤️ love what you are doing for Jude and the autistic community 👏 xxx

Faye Reading

$28.43

Good luck Kat!

Namrata Theisen

$23.50

Hey lovely 💙 Life gets in the way, but just know — I see you. You are an incredible mum and I’m so glad I could support this cause close to your heart. One day I’d love to walk alongside you — just say the word! 💙