The students in the support unit have been participating in the Walk for Autism, raising money for Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT).

The walk also helps to raise awareness of the condition.

ASPECT describes Autism as “a developmental condition that affects, among other things, the way an individual relates to his or her environment and their interaction with other people”.

About one in 100 people have autism, which is almost the equivalent of 230,000 Australians. It affects four times as many males than females.

Dubbo Public School’s Cassie Davis said helping those in need was something the school was passionate about.

“Our support unit is made up of 24 amazing students who each have unique ways of communicating and moving, learning and engaging. We created this team because our teachers and students from K6D and 36M are passionate about helping others,” Ms Davis said.

“K6D have been visiting Baptist Care for a few years now, sharing presents and morning tea.  Now we are bringing together our skills and talents to help other children by raising money for Autism Spectrum Australia.”

Autism month was officially in April, but ASPECT had been flexible allowing the school to create their own routine and use their own talents to participate in the walk, the teacher said.

“Our students are so fortunate to have loving friends, family, school community and local services who all help to guide them towards their dreams and be the best person they can be, we want to help other children who may not have that support network,” Ms Davis said.

“Our friends from other classes have helped us design an obstacle course that encourages us to use all of our wonderful abilities and we have been planning a lot of fun physical activities. We are all so excited to be raising money for children who need a helping hand to reach for their dreams.”

ASPECT provides information, intervention and a range of services to meet the needs of people on the autism spectrum, as well as the needs of their families. The organisation engages in strategic alliances with a number of not-for-profit groups to offer better options for people on the spectrum.

The support unit has a goal to raise $500 for ASPECT and have already reached $113.

Nationally, $515,716 has been raised through the Walk for Autism.

Donations to Dubbo Public School’s Walk for Autism can be made at autism-walk.everydayhero.com. Follow the link and search ‘Dubbo Public School’.