FROM 18 months until the age of two, young Jack was fascinated with windsocks.
Later the Newport boy’s interests would include the Titanic, gaming, science and maths.
Jack, 9, has Asperger’s, an autism spectrum disorder. He is ‘high-functioning’ and attends the Western Autistic School at Laverton.
His mum Wendy Townsend is taking part in The Age Melbourne Run on July 15 to raise autism awareness and funds for Amaze, formerly Autism Victoria.
She wants to give back to the organisation that helped her when Jack was small.
“They were there for me when he was diagnosed,” Ms Townsend said. “He was diagnosed quite late … just before prep.”
She is also running 10 kilometres to raise awareness about Asperger’s.
Ms Townsend said people often asked her about Jack, a healthy, happy boy with a strong interest in maths and science – and certain quirks. From 18 months until two, his fascination was windsocks,” Ms Townsend said. “We used to drive all over Melbourne looking for windsocks.” Participants raise money for their chosen charity and can do a half-marathon or a five-kilometre run or walk, starting and finishing at Federation Square.
This year’s target is $1.6million, with $24,000 raised to date.
