Daniel Cox has created an event, Light up the Night, to help normalise and raise awareness of autism. Photo / George Novak
Autism is part of who Daniel Cox is.
"So why should I fit in when I'm born to stand out?" the 29-year-old tells me.
That sentiment is part of the reason Cox has spent the last six months planning an event to raise awareness for autism spectrum disorder.
Autism is a developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact.
Put simply by Cox, autistic people feel, hear, view and connect to the world differently than a non-autistic person. But it is not an illness or disease.
Light up the Night is a free event this Saturday that Cox hopes will give those with autism an opportunity to feel comfortable in a space that relates to them.
"I'm wanting to spread awareness to the community, for those that don't actually know what autism is or how it affects myself and the people they may come in contact with," Cox said.
"Autistic people have it hard enough as it is and we find ourselves stuck in a box. What I want to get out of it is let's show kindness towards each other because each one of us is different and unique in our own way."
From 4pm to 6pm Cox, with the help of multiple organisations, has planned family-friendly activities where people can also find support through different agencies.
While the original plan was for a 24-hour dance party, Cox has reimagined the last part of his free event as a dance party from 6pm to 9pm.
It will include himself and his good friend Matt Naylor from Addictive DJs, and will be held at the Jam Factory.
"I think one of the best ways to learn about something, is to meet someone who's going through and dealing with the same issue.
"There is one thing I want to impart to children and the community with autism, is the knowledge and the understanding that their own inner strengths and their belief that one day, they too will get through this."
Cox asks one last thing as I leave, "do you think if I could snap my fingers and be a normal person, do you think I ever would?"
The answer is no.
"Autism is part of who I am."
Bring the kids for fun and creative activities while you chat with local providers of autism services. Learn what local support is available, tap into their wealth of knowledge, lived experience and information.
Matt from addictive DJs will play three sets of dance music. Living with autism himself, he will also share some of his own journey during the event.
The alcohol-free event is for those 16 and over and has limited numbers so book your free ticket here.
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