Hi, I’m Hughie. I’m 6 years old and this is my story.

I am autistic and I don’t speak with words yet but I have so much I’d like to say!

I struggle to communicate what I need, how I’m feeling, and what I’m thinking. Imagine knowing what you want to say but not having the words to say it. That’s my world right now.

When I was born, I had a very difficult birth and had to be resuscitated for around 9 minutes. Later, an MRI showed that I have missing white matter on my brain. This has affected my development and is one of the reasons communication is so hard for me.

In August, my mummy and her friends are climbing the National Three Peaks Challenge taking on Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon in 24 hours all to help me find my voice.

They’re raising money for an AAC device and private 1:1 speech and language therapy.

This could be life-changing for me and help me communicate effectively to tell my family what I need, how I feel, and all the thoughts I have inside.

If you can donate or share my story, you’re helping me find my voice. Thank you so much.

And another massive thank you to my Auntie Becci, whose wonderful idea this was, and for organising everything!

Love,

Hughie