Our charity has an online running branch, which meets monthly to share tips and experiences. One of the volunteers, Thomas, explains more about the aims of the branch and the benefits of running.
 

Can you tell us a bit about the National Autistic Society online running branch?

We are a volunteer-led online branch for autistic people with a shared interest in running. We hold monthly online meetings through Microsoft Teams, and there is a private Facebook group for branch members. Our members come from a wide range of backgrounds; some are experienced marathon or ultra-marathon runners, while others are much newer to the sport. Runners of all abilities are welcome to join us.
 

What are the aims of the online group for autistic runners?

Our aim is to create a friendly and welcoming space for autistic runners to chat with like-minded people. We meet online every month to share our experiences and discuss 'all things running'. The meetings are very relaxed and there is no pressure to speak, although we make sure everyone has the chance to participate in the discussion if they wish. Recently, we held a special guest speaker session with NAS ambassador Arran Linton-Smith.
 

What do you think are the benefits of running for autistic people? 

As an autistic person who also experiences mental health difficulties, running helps me to regulate my emotions and nurture my mental health. It can never be a substitute for proper mental health treatment, but is an important part of the 'toolkit' that keeps me on an even keel. Other branch members have also highlighted the benefits to their mental health. For many of us, running is an escape from the anxieties of coping in a world that is not designed to meet our needs.
 

What challenges do you think autistic people face in starting running?

Some autistic people don’t feel comfortable running alone, but find the thought of running with others quite daunting. Running clubs and coaches can help to reduce anxiety by providing as much information as possible in advance, including how to find the location and what to expect during the session. It may also be helpful to identify a supportive club member as a ‘buddy’ for the first session.
 

As an autistic person, what would you like other non-autistic runners/coaches/race organisers to understand or change?

This is often discussed at our branch meetings. It is clear that some autistic runners are deterred from entering large events due to the crowds and the noisy atmosphere. Many of these races have areas set aside for elite athletes near the start line, and I feel that similar dedicated spaces should be made available for neurodivergent participants. 
 

What does autism acceptance mean to you?

To me, autism acceptance is about celebrating autistic strengths, understanding the challenges faced by autistic people, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual. I am convinced that if everyone takes a little extra time to understand autistic people, they will become more positive and empathetic towards us, and this will drive greater inclusion.
 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

If anyone would like to join our mailing list and receive invites to our online meetings, please do send us an email. You can also read more about the branch on the NAS website.