Amy Wood

Why I Want to Do a Walk for Autism

I’ve been thinking a lot about doing the walk for autism, and honestly, it feels really personal to me.

Autism isn’t just something I’ve read about or seen online it’s part of my everyday life. Through my work supporting people with additional needs, and through people close to my heart, I see the reality of autism in all its forms. The beautiful strengths, the tough days, the small wins that mean everything, and the battles most of the world never notices.

That’s why this walk wouldn’t just be about steps on a fitness app. It would be about people.

It’s More Than Just a Fundraiser

Yes, I’ll probably complain about my feet halfway through. Yes, I’ll need snacks. But every mile would stand for something bigger:

• Raising awareness for autistic people who are so often misunderstood

• Showing families they’re not alone

• Supporting services and advocacy through charities like the National Autistic Society

• Turning care and compassion into real action

I spend so much of my time supporting others emotionally, practically, day-to-day and this feels like an extension of that. A way of saying, I see how hard this can be, and I want to help in a bigger way too.

Because I’ve Seen the Reality

Autism isn’t one story. I’ve seen people who struggle with sensory overload so intense it stops them in their tracks. I’ve seen anxiety that looks like anger to the outside world. I’ve seen communication that doesn’t fit the “norm” but still says so much if you take the time to understand.

But I’ve also seen incredible honesty, deep loyalty, unique humour, and talents that blow me away. I’ve seen progress that might look small to others but is absolutely massive to the person achieving it.

Being part of a walk for autism feels like celebrating those individuals just as much as raising awareness of the challenges.

For the Families Who Never Switch Off

I also think about parents and carers the ones doing school meetings, appointments, forms, phone calls, and still being someone’s safe place at the end of the day. The ones who are exhausted but keep going anyway.

If I can raise even a little bit of money or awareness that helps services run, gives families support, or helps someone feel understood, then a few hours of walking feels like the least I can do.

From the Heart, Not Just the Head

This isn’t about being sporty or smashing records. It’s about doing something meaningful. About showing up. About using my voice, my legs, and my circle of people to shine a light on something that truly matters to me.

So yeah i might be nervous. I might ache the next day. But I’ll be walking with purpose, and that makes every step worth it 💙