'If only people would look a little closer, they would find a very caring and honest person.'

By PETER HOSKING

My name is Peter Hosking. I am trekking 655 kilometres through the Australian Alps Walking Track this summer to raise awareness about autism.

I personally have high functioning autism, and find living every day a struggle to stay positive. Many people do not understand the way I think, and the way my brain interprets things —  for example sarcasm is quite difficult for me to comprehend and understand. As my interpersonal skills are very lacking I have a lot of people who get the wrong impression. I get bullied and harassed and ostracised a lot. This happens to most people with autism — and if only people would think before acting, and look a little closer they would find a very caring and honest person.

The main thing I find works for my brain and my autism, is being in the outdoors and trekking/hiking. It resets my brain and forces my brain to think of what I am doing instead of other things, which in turn lifts my spirit and psychological well being.

Outdoors activities can help many people on the spectrum. Taking someone out of the cramped indoors, noisy shopping centres and complex social interactions, usually relaxes and calms people with autism. Whether it is bike riding, hiking, camping, fishing or skiing – it calms the mind.

I am very determined to show that someone with autism is just as capable of doing what everyone else can do. I want to show to the world not to “fear” someone with autism, but just to spend a little more time to understand their brain and the way they do things.

The trek itself starts in October and finishes early December (this year). The trek is 655 kilometres long and follows the Great Dividing Range. The trek is one of the hardest and the highest (in altitude) trails in Australia. I will be contending with snakes, fast flowing rivers, snow and ice, and 80 days of being in the wilderness by myself.
A big thank you to Kathmandu and Osprey Packs for their support/sponsorships.

To find out more visit the Trekking 4 Autism website.