Step up and help create a more inclusive world for children on the autism spectrum - so they don't get left behind.
Despite the growing number of children on the autism spectrum, many of their peers are still not familiar with what autism is and what kind of support they can and should provide their friends.
Lack of understanding means many children on the autism spectrum struggle to make and keep friends and are left out of social activities – leading to feelings of exclusion and isolation.
At Aspect, our goal is to create a world where no-one on the autism spectrum is left behind. But we can’t do that without the support of everyone in the community. For children on the autism spectrum to meaningfully participate in the world around them, there needs to be change in the classroom and the playground.
Walk for autism is an easy, fun and rewarding way to learn about autism, get active and create positive change.
Because it is a virtual event, your team/s can decide the course, location and time you want to walk during the eight day event. Challenge each other to walk 10,000 steps before and after school, during recess and lunch breaks.
Get the entire school involved or break into staff, year or class teams and challenge each other to raise as much as possible to support children on the autism spectrum.
Event ideas
Mufti Day
Invite your students to Go Colourful for autism and sell colourful jelly or cupcakes in the canteen and ask for a small donation.
Walkathon
Set up a fun course around the oval and challenge your students to complete it as many times as possible.
Games Day
Set-up a games day where each classroom can get involved and play!
Taking part is easy
Once you have decided how you are going to take part in Walk for autism, follow the steps below:
- Decide how you want to split your Teams: School Team, Staff Team, Year Team or Class Team?
- Nominate a Team Leader(s) to create the Team(s).
- Decide who will be in each team.
- Invite participants to register through the 'A Team' pathway to set-up their personal fundraising page and join their team.
- Set Team fundraising goals.
- Get everyone together and brainstorm ideas on how to smash your step and fundraising goals.
Education Class Merchandise Packs
We have a limited number of Walk for autism education class merchandise packs on offer. Up for grabs are packs including age appropriate merchandise and autism friendly information.
These packs have been designed so a team linked with a school or education body, from early learning right through to tertiary, can take their Walk for autism participation to the next level. The merchandise can be used as a reward for your team members individual fundraising success, great for in-school walkathons, and the autism friendly information can assist with raising understanding of how we can all make the world a more autism friendly place.
To take advantage the Team Leaders, of teams representing a school or education group, need to fill in our registration of interest form. Teams will be eligible for a pack once they raise $100 (Early Learning / Pre-Schools / Infants / Primary) or $250 (Secondary / Tertiary) on their team page. If your team is keen to receive a pack, make sure you register your interest early and get fundraising!
Education Pack - Register Interest
We will make every attempt to have the merchandise pack delivered to you as soon as possible.
Our Walking Buddies are here to help so if you have any questions please email walk@autismspectrum.org.au or call 1800 288 476.
Pre-school / Early Learning / Infants / Primary
Team to Fundraise $100
Includes branded footprint stickers, balloons and inclusion flyer. 30 items of each.
Secondary / Tertiary
Team to Fundraise $250
Includes branded pedometers, balloons and autism inclusion flyer. 30 items of each.
Autism-friendly tips
Download our Tips for Autism-friendly and Inclusive Interactions sheet. This has been developed in partnership with people on the autism spectrum so we can all play an active role in creating a more inclusive world.
Why your school or class should get involved?
Autism is a lifelong condition. An estimated 1 in every 70 people in Australia is 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 that one or more of your classmates or students are dealing with the everyday challenges that an autism diagnosis brings.
By taking part in Walk for autism, you create an opportunity to discuss autism within the school envrioment and to generate understanding of how we can all be more inclusive of classmates and students on the autism spectrum.
