Sam Taylor

8 Days. 10,000 Steps a Day. For Arlo.

Starting on the 26th of March, I’ll be taking on a personal challenge: walking 10,000 steps a day for 8 days as part of Walk for Autism.

This isn’t just a fitness challenge for me. Every single step is for my son, Arlo.

Right now, Arlo is going through the process of being assessed for autism. It’s a journey many families will understand — appointments, observations, waiting, and a lot of uncertainty. As a parent, all you want is the right support, the right understanding, and the best possible future for your child.

One thing this journey has already taught me is that autism isn’t something to be feared — it’s something to be understood.

Arlo is an amazing little boy. He sees the world differently, learns differently, and experiences things in his own unique way. Like many parents, we’re learning alongside him — how to support him, how to advocate for him, and how to make sure he grows up in a world that accepts and celebrates who he is.

That’s why I’ve decided to take part in Walk for Autism.

For 8 days straight, I’ll be committing to 10,000 steps a day. It might not sound huge, but life is busy, routines are full, and staying consistent takes effort. Still, it feels small compared to the journey Arlo is on — and the journey many families like ours experience every day.

Each step represents:

• Greater awareness of autism
• Better support for children and families
• More understanding and acceptance
• A future where differences are valued, not misunderstood

If you’d like to support me, whether that’s through a donation, sharing this post, or simply encouraging me along the way, it would mean a lot to our family.

More than anything, I hope this helps spread a simple message:

Different doesn’t mean less.

Arlo’s journey is just beginning, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. These steps are for him — every single one.

For Arlo. For autism. For understanding