Dylan McConnell

Final Day of Walk For Autism

Today marks the final day of my challenge: walking 80,000 steps a day for two weeks.

I started this to push myself, build my confidence, and show my support for the autism community. And while I’ll be continuing with 10,000 steps a day moving forward, this experience has already proven something important to me:

Being autistic does not mean I’m incapable.

It means I may need reasonable adjustments. It means I shouldn’t be overwhelmed in environments that aren’t designed for me. And it means I can thrive when I’m given the chance to focus on what I do best.

This journey wasn’t just physical—it was a reminder of what’s possible when effort meets understanding.

Alongside this, I’m currently working on an animated short with Divergent Emergent, focused on raising awareness around neurodiversity. Our goal is to create characters who feel real, unique, and fully human—not reduced to a single trait or stereotype.

On this Autism Awareness Day, I want to say this:

To everyone in the autism community—your experiences are valid, your strengths matter, and your future is worth believing in.

Wishing all of us the very best for what lies ahead.

Seventh Day of Walking

I managed to work out the number of steps for each day, with the first half in the early morning and the second half in the late afternoon.

Hopefully, I’ll write this down to improve my time management, especially after my final day of work tomorrow.

Sixth Day of Walking

It took me more steps than I expected, especially in the middle of my working hours.

On the bright side, it gives me a better sense of how to pace my steps at different times of the day, so I can save enough for a late afternoon walk—and maybe even catch the sunset, if I’m lucky.

Fifth Day of Walking

Forth Day of Walking

Since my Walk for Autism T-shirt is out to dry, my photo update will likely be coming tomorrow.

Until then, I’m aiming to reach 40,000 steps today.

I’ve faced many challenges that tend to overwhelm me, such as people talking all at once, the television being on, the iPad running, and drilling for handyman work. Despite all of that, I’m not letting it disrupt my daily life and am focusing on my important goals.

Third Day of Walking

First Day of Walking

Facebook Gratitude 2026

To all of my family and friends on Facebook,

I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to my fundraising for Walk for Autism UK 2026. Your generosity, encouragement, and kindness truly mean so much to me.

Knowing that you’re standing behind me and supporting this cause gives me even more motivation to keep going. It’s not just about the walk itself — it’s about raising awareness, promoting understanding, and showing support for the autism community.

I’m incredibly grateful to have such supportive people in my life. Thank you for believing in me and for helping make this journey possible.

Your support makes a real difference.

Thank you all so much.

Trial and Error on the Road to Greatness

Hello there, my name is Dylan McConnell, and this year I’m taking part in Walk For Autism — not just as a fundraiser, but as someone who is proudly on the autism spectrum.

Like many autistic people, I’ve faced real struggles trying to find a workplace that truly fits me. Despite showing my creativity, passion, and dedication, I’ve often been rejected or overlooked. Those experiences have been frustrating, but they’ve also opened my eyes to a bigger issue: so many autistic people are still fighting just to receive fair opportunities and reasonable adjustments.

That’s why this walk matters to me. I want to get myself on the right track, yes — but I also want to help ensure the wider autism community gets the understanding, support, and respect it deserves.

Taking part in Walk For Autism is also part of my commitment to a healthier lifestyle, both physically and mentally. Staying active helps clear my mind, and this walk gives that effort a purpose that truly means something to me.

Thank you for supporting me, and for supporting the autism community.