In this Stories from the Spectrum feature, we meet Millie who is a member of the England Athletics Club and organises fitness and running classes. Millie explains what she enjoys about exercise and how it has helped her to build her confidence.

 

When did you first know or start to think you were autistic? 

When I was at nursery, I did not speak much. When I went home, I barely spoke then, just a few words. This is when my family and I knew I might be autistic.  For example, when other children were asked what drink they’d like, they would answer, whereas I would prefer to point as opposed to speak. My parents tried to tell me about autism at age five but I didn’t understand. When I was 13 I started to understand it more, and when I read the characteristics I could see how my personality matched to that. 

 

If you received a diagnosis, what was the process like for you? If you are self-diagnosed, how did you decide to follow this route? 

I remember the doctor who diagnosed me. It was quite a relief to know the condition, some conditions you can get mixed up with so good to know what I have. After the diagnosis, it was quite emotional too. Thinking about the teachers in the past who did not really understand, it was good to know that this would help in the future. I had my speech and language therapist who would help me with games and would help with my speech, knowing I had an autism diagnosis.

 

How did you get involved with athletics?  

I have been part of my local running club for a long time and through this I have made a lot of great friends. I first got involved through athletics whilst I was watching cricket at the local athletics club, I saw a sign about joining and I thought to myself ‘why don’t I give it a go?’ – so I did! The first time I went, I thought these were a really nice bunch of people and I have a good judge of character! Since then, I go running two times a week. 

 

How does exercise help you, and what inspired you to start organising exercise classes? 

I go to training on Thursday and park run on Saturdays, which is great for my mental health and physical wellbeing. I recently completed my first half marathon - Sheffield Half Marathon, within two hours, 46 minutes 10 seconds.  Through my passion for running, I decided to join the England Athletics Club. I wanted to join this, as it’s aimed at coaches and involves lots of different sports, such as javelin. They are based in Birmingham so I join virtually, as well as organising classes face to face.  

Some people find it difficult to do their running activities face to face; if it is busy or crowded, it can be overwhelming. Therefore, I run some of the sessions virtually so they feel more comfortable. I organise warm-ups, a main class with another leader and have group meetings once or twice a week. Planning is important. I use the internet to get ideas and make it engaging, check the weather, carry out health safety checks (slipping etc.) and ensure we have an appropriate setting. This can be challenging, but if I am stressed, exercise helps – sometimes I jump on the spot to relieve my stress or count to ten.  

Through my passion for running, I have been able to meet lots of people and practise mindfulness in really nice ways. You can see a photo of me on one of my runs! Through these experiences, I’ve developed mindfulness techniques and built my confidence with leading a group. All whilst improving my health at the same time! 

 

 What inspired you to start fundraising? 

In my spare time, I enjoy fundraising. I have volunteered as a health citizen for St John Ambulance, where I raised money for Alzheimer’s Society through a social action programme. I did this by organising a raffle and doing a monthly step challenge of 10,000 steps. I think fundraising has helped with my overall happiness, it is very rewarding to bring awareness and include everybody in the fundraising activity. This is really great for developing my emotions. Sometimes I find it hard to say how I feel, so fundraising helps me to talk to people as well as encourage people to reach out and ask questions. 

 

What advice would you give to other autistic people who are looking to start a new hobby? 

Be aware of the environment and noisy crowds that you are in. Sensory differences can affect how much you can process.  

 

What does being autistic mean to you? What impact does it have on your life? 

Being autistic is like when a feather falls from the sky. It is something special and beautiful. Sometimes I do struggle to feel good about myself, or it takes a while for me to realise when I have done something good. This can be hard. Being autistic can also make me more direct, which is good for getting my point across… which also means I have a good sense of humour and means I am always smiling! 

 

What is one thing you would like more people to understand about autism? 

Our brains are wired differently, so we are unique. We view the world differently to other people. People think autism is just something that is unique to your mental thinking but it can actually also affect you physically, through things like coordination and balance.