Beth Nicholson

Why I am doing this

As a parent, you never want to see your child struggle. You want school to be a place where they feel safe, understood, and able to be themselves. But for my eldest son, starting school brought challenges we never expected.

From an early age, he found the classroom overwhelming. Sitting among his peers, coping with noise, transitions, and sensory overload often led to meltdowns he couldn’t control. Instead of understanding, he was too often met with judgement. His behaviour was seen as “difficult” rather than a sign that he was struggling in an environment that didn’t meet his needs. As a family, we have faced the pain of seeing him misunderstood and, at times, discriminated against because of behaviours linked to autism.

Now, my middle son is beginning to show similar signs. Like his brother, he struggles with loud noises, sensory sensitivities, and social environments that others take for granted. Watching this unfold again is heartbreaking — but it also strengthens my determination to advocate for both of them.

This is why I am taking part in the Walk for Autism.

I am walking for my eldest son, who has fought every day to cope in a world that often feels too loud and too fast. I am walking for my middle son, as we begin another journey of understanding and support. And I am walking for every child who has ever been labelled instead of listened to, excluded instead of included, or punished for needs they cannot control.

Autism is not something that needs to be “fixed.” What needs to change is awareness, acceptance, and support — in our schools, our communities, and our attitudes. Every child deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and understood.

By supporting this fundraiser, you are helping raise awareness and resources for autistic children and their families. You are helping create a future where differences are recognised as part of who a child is — not something to be feared or judged.

If you are able to donate or share this page, it would mean so much to our family. Every step I take in this walk is for my boys, and for a kinder, more understanding world for all autistic children.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for supporting this cause close to our hearts.