I'm walking to raise funds for the mission of Autism Speaks - to fuel innovative research and make connections to critical lifelong supports and services for the autism community.

It’s that time of the year again to Beau The Extra Mile and walk to raise awareness for Autism. My son Beau was diagnosed on the spectrum right before he turned 2 years old. Before his diagnosis, I was unaware of many things in the world of Autism. Like the fact that it’s a developmental disorder that impacts the way someone communicates, learns and absorbs things, and how they socialize. Beau’s Autism is sensory processing, which means he loves to touch things! He loves textures, twirling things and stimming. He does this to regulate his body for when he’s excited, sad, scared or anxious. Even though he is on the spectrum, he is just like any 3 year old. He loves cheerios, watching Bluey, music, bubbles and playing with his big sissy. Having this diagnoses doesn’t make him different, it just makes him Au-some!