Autism won’t hold James back
In the final lead-up to the ASB Summer Starter, James Hull and Lucy Atkinson are finishing their final preparations. Atkinson speaks with Maddison Northcott about her son’s unusual fitness journey.
For James Hull, preparing physically to get to the start line of his first running event has been a breeze.
While his competitors dragged themselves around parks and navigated Christchurch streets in preparation for the race, he shot by, barely breaking a sweat, often asking hismumfor a turn on her bike after training finished to burn off some extra energy.
He’s fit, active and loves spending time outdoors, but the mental battle on the day of the ASB Summer Starter will be a monumental challenge.
Hull, 25, has autism. He doesn’t cope well with loud noises, finds communication difficult and is overwhelmed by crowds. Just maneuvering through the chaos and costumes before the hooter blows on Sunday will be a struggle, amplified by the restrictions of entering a structured event.
‘‘Going on a run is a project in itself. He’s learning he needs to run for a length of time and to get the applause at the end he has to finish,’’ mother Lucy Atkinson said.
‘‘He can’t stop for a conversation or sit down and feed the ducks. He needs to get to the end and then we can celebrate.’’
Hull has been involved for four years with Learn Active, a charity that provides outdoor education opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Abseiling, camping and hiking seemed like unachievable goals on joining, but through the programme he has overcome fears that held him back in school and plans to run to raise money to help replace the group’s run-down van.
Seventeen of the programme’s students, staff and supporters will be participating in Sunday’s fun run to help with the fundraising efforts.
‘‘In the school system he couldn’t live up to his full potential because communication issues really held him back,’’ hismum said.
‘‘He’s really looking forward to crossing the finish line so his dad will be there cheering him on, and hopefully a few others. He’ll be running with Molly from Learn Active and I’ll try and keep up too.’’
Atkinson said the event would be a milestone for them both, and an accumulation of weeks of training at Hagley Park. She usually played more of a cheerleader role, following along on a bike and encouraging her son.
‘‘It’s really good to challenge him. We take him out, but with mumand dad there’s an attitude to say ‘I can’t do this’ and give up. It’s not just about outdoor education, it means he can do all the things other people his age get to do, and be seen out and about having a go.
‘‘He’s got just as much right as anyone else to be out there and it’s good for other people to see different people around. He gets something from it and so do others.’’
* Register now to enter the 2017 ASB Summer Starter at summerstarter.co.nz