Mums organise run to help children

When 10-year-old Cameron Carter told a woman she "looked like a man", he was not being intentionally rude it was the Asperger syndrome talking.

Social gaffes are the lighter side of living with someone on the autism spectrum a range of disorders, including Asperger syndrome, that affect about one in every 100 births.

Cameron's younger brother, Nathan, six, is severely autistic and cannot speak.

It is this communication difficulty that has prompted a group of Canterbury mothers to stage a fun run to raise money for autism.

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the brain's ability to process information, leading to problems with communication, understanding, concentration and behaviour.

The boys' mother, Bridget Carter, said they wanted to raise money for teachers, teacher aides and carers to train in a communication tool called Picture Exchange Communication.

The tool allows autistic children to communicate by putting together pictures of their needs.

Money raised at the fun run will also go towards training in basic sign language and sensory profiling, which helps parents understand how sensitive their child is to light, sound or touch.

Jacki Morris said she would often find her son, Matthew, seven, wedged in the couch, squashing himself between the heavy cushions because he craved touch and pressure.

"That's his way of calming himself," she said.

"There are just things with autism other people struggle to understand and we need these training programmes.

"Before Matthew learned to use Pex (the picture cards), he would scream and yell and cry because he didn't know how to communicate. Now he can tell me he wants a biscuit."

Carter said life could be tough or frustrating but never dull with her boys.

"There are so many laughable moments and because you do so much hard work, the rewards are greater."

Morris said the first time her son said "ta" when thanking her she ran around the kitchen in happiness.

Today is World Autism Day.

The Walk-Run for Autism Awareness is on Sunday May 3, in Hagley Park. For details, go to www.autismnz.org.nz or pick up a registration pack from Christchurch City Libraries.

- © Fairfax NZ News