INSPIRATION IN EVERY STEP!
Hear the stories, discover their why,
and be inspired to walk too.
ADDIE
I want to help other kids like me feel proud of who they are.
"My name is Adeline, but most people call me Addie. I am 9, Autistic and I have ADHD. I was diagnosed with Autism when I was 5. My brain works a bit differently, and I’m proud of who I am.
I am very lucky because I have lots of amazing support. My family are always there to help me when I need it. I have a wonderful psychologist, and I’ve had great physios and OTs. I also have amazing teachers who really understand me and help me learn.
I love dancing and singing, and one day I want to be a singer like Taylor Swift. I am proud of my amazing imagination; it is one of my biggest strengths.
I wanted to support the Walk for Autism because I discovered not all kids get the same support as me and this made me worried about them. I think every autistic kid deserves to feel happy, supported, understood, and accepted by those around them.
I want to help other kids like me feel proud of who they are and to thrive. Every kid deserves support, kindness, and a chance to shine."
SOPHIE
Sophie was inspired by her son, Buddy, to walk throughout May.
"Our son Buddy was recently diagnosed with Level 3 Autism and non-verbal.
Buddy is the most sweetest, gentle beautiful little boy and we say he talks without talking! He hand leads us to what he needs and knows exactly what we are saying - it’s just Buddy!
Since the official diagnosis I have wanted to learn more about Autism, talk to others with it in their lives and create awareness to the world about Autism. The amount of people who have reached out to me since posting about starting this walk challenge - commenting their child has autism, or their sibling is autistic - is exactly what my goal was. Talk about Autism and be proud of our little Buddy and who he is! If we can just help one family with our donations it will be worth it."
JESS AND BEN
Parents walking for their autistic children, Max and Kennedy, and for every Autistic person.
"Max is 8 and autistic. He’s funny, energetic, and completely obsessed with comics - he loves reading them and creating his own. Collecting BFDI plushies is his favourite thing in the world. When he’s happy, you feel it instantly.
Kennedy is 6 and also autistic. She is thoughtful and kind, happiest when she’s colouring or playing with her cousins. She is cheeky, playful and loves animals. Sometimes we call her "Keny Irwin".
Like many autistic children, the world isn’t always set up for them. School, in particular, can be overwhelming - the noise, structure, social expectations, and pace can make it incredibly hard to feel safe, understood, and able to learn. What makes a real difference is access to the right environment.
Being able to attend a school that understands autism, where educators recognise sensory needs, communication differences, and individual learning styles, can completely change a child’s experience. It creates space for them to feel safe, build confidence, and actually engage in learning in a way that works for them.
Getting a diagnosis didn’t change our kids - it changed our understanding. It helped us realise they don’t need to fit the world; the world needs to meet them where they are. But access to the right support, including specialised education, isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re walking. We’re walking so more children like Max and Kennedy can access the support and schooling they need to thrive, not just get by.
And we’re walking to celebrate them - exactly as they are."
NIX
Walking for her son and to raise awareness for Autistic Australians.
"My son was officially diagnosed February 2025, although we assumed he was on spectrum quite early on. My wife, Catherine, completed the Walk for Autism last year but I was pregnant and high risk with our 2nd and couldn’t partake. This year I promised myself to complete the walk to help raise awareness for autism.
I work in a corporate job and think about the challenges that my son would have in the type of role I am in. The stigma that also comes with being on spectrum and whether that would be well received by the time he reaches of age to work and contribute to society.
My hope is that the fundraising and posts I have done, and will do, will reach others. To help show a positive outlook with patience in mind. For people to pause before any judgements and think is there a better way to support that person or family. For the future of not only my child but every person on spectrum to find and love the life they wish to live and to have people surrounding them that will continue to love and support them."
