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This week is World Autism Acceptance Week, but what’s happening in Caerphilly to mark the event?

The event is held every year to raise awareness of autism and to fundraise for the National Autistic Society, a charity supporting autistic people and their families.

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life-long condition which can affect people in different ways.

The brain of an autistic person works differently to that of a neurotypical person (someone without autism), which can lead to people with autism experiencing difficulties socialising and communicating with other people.

Autistic people can often have intense and highly-focused interests and hobbies.

There are around 700,000 people in the UK who have autism.

Autism is not an illness or a disease.

Research carried out by the National Autistic Society found that only 16% of autistic adults in the UK are in full-time employment, while only 20% have a CV.

They also found 90% of autistic people reported having anxiety and depression and are also dealing with social isolation.

Super 60 fundraising challenge

Thirteen-year-old Ryan Evans, from Caerphilly, has autism.

As part of Autism Acceptance Week, Ryan, alongside his eight-year-old brother Jack, mum Charlotte and dad Rhys, have been completing a variety of challenges to raise money for the National Autistic Society.

The family have so far raised more than £500 and are closing in on their £600 target.

The theme of the family’s fundraising is the number six, due to this year marking the 60th anniversary of the National Autistic Society.

Ryan is aiming to watch 16 movies, which he will review on TikTok, while Jack live-streamed a gameathon, with six one-hour sessions throughout the week.

Charlotte has been aiming to walk 60,000 steps as part of the fundraiser.

Meanwhile Rhys, who has found fame on TikTok as ‘the singing postman’ – aimed to spend 60 minutes singing songs from the 1960s live on TikTok – but the stream ended up lasting around three hours. He also took part in a sponsored silence while out doing his deliveries.

Ryan and Jack are also doing a sponsored silence on Saturday, April 2, with the family holding a bake sale next week to complete the fundraising.

Charlotte told Caerphilly Observer: “The fundraising is going so well. This is something we’ll look to do every year – no shadow of a doubt.”

The family are no strangers to fundraising. In summer 2020, they took part in a 42-day challenge to raise money for the Noah’s Ark charity, raising £400 in the process.

Donations to the fundraiser can be made through the family’s JustGiving page.

Autistic Minds Caerphilly

Back in September 2020, Autistic Minds, formerly known as The Autism Directory, opened a hub in Caerphilly town centre.

As well as support groups and advice sessions for autistic people and their families, the hub offers support with job applications, social skills and more.

This week, Autistic Minds opened up a charity shop at its hub, with the proceeds from the sales going back into the charity, helping autistic people and their families in Caerphilly.

Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member Hefin David was at the charity shop opening and said: “I love coming to Autistic Minds – my daughter is autistic so it’s a cause which is very close to my heart. I love meeting all the families here at the hub and knowing that there is a place I can direct constituents for specialist support is just brilliant.”

Dr David, who holds a surgery at the hub every three months, added: “I wish the team all the very best with the new charity shop, I’m sure it will be a great success.”

Donations to the Autistic Minds charity shop can be arranged by contacting the hub or dropping by.
The shop is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Dog walk

Pupils at Risca Comprehensive School will be heading to Cwmcarn Forest for a charity dog walk on Sunday, April 3, in support of the school’s Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) centre.

All are welcome to the event, which begins at 10.45am at Cwmcarn Forest car park.

The ASC centre currently has 21 pupils aged between 11 and 16, who receive support and learn key skills.

Funds raised at this years’ event will go towards developing their nurture garden ,a seating area, plant seeds and to help complete the calming area in the nurture garden. The funds will also support the ‘ci’ project which supports pupils with learning outside.

Principal teacher at the ASC centre, Deb Howells, said: “It’s amazing to see the whole school come together for the pupils in the ASC centre.

“One strength of the school is the awareness and support of pupils with autism. So many parents and students support us and mainstream pupils talk to and engage with the ASC Centre pupils.”