Roz's Super 7 Sing-along

Roz Stevens is hitting all the high notes this World Autism Awareness Week, with her musical take on our Super 7 Challenge! Roz is a singer, fundraiser, and a parent to seven children. This year, she's putting her musical talents into play with a Super 7 sing-along - she'll be singing seven songs over the course of a week, while raising money for our charity. All songs will be requested by friends and family.

Sign up for your Super 7 Challenge

We chatted to Roz about the inspiration behind her challenge, being a parent to autistic children, and why she chose to fundraise for the National Autistic Society...

Why are you taking part in World Autism Awareness Week?

I am extremely passionate about autism and working with children on the autism spectrum.

I have seven children, all of whom have been diagnosed as autistic. Some also have ADHD, ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), OCD, anxiety disorders, behavioural disorders, and many more. We also believe my husband is on the spectrum (even though he hasn't got a diagnosis). Some people may think this is a lot for one family to deal with, but for us it's the norm. It's what we do and we do it well!

It has taken a while for us to get to where we are and for the children to understand their own needs, but we never gave up! It all just pushed me into learning more about the autism spectrum.

Since then, it has become my passion. I got my first job working with autistic children back in 2004. I have progressed from there, moving to different schools and increasing my learning and understanding, and taking online courses to gain my qualifications. This allowed me to set up my own private support tutoring for struggling families.

I have used the National Autistic Society for many things over the years, including signposting other parents to more information and support.

What are you planning to do for your Super 7 Challenge?

I love singing and performing, so my plan is to sing seven songs – chosen by friends and family! They can choose a song for every donation they make. This has me a little worried as I can't sing every song ever made...so it will definitely be interesting to listen to!

I usually arrange fundraising with my place of work, but now that I’ve left, I decided to go it alone and organise something for me to do on my own.

"I love singing and performing, so my plan is to sing seven songs – chosen by friends and family!"

music note icon

Any tips you’d like to share with other parents of autistic children/adults?

My advice to parents of autistic children/adults would be:

Don't treat your child as if they are different

Yes, things may need to be tweaked here and there, so they can get the best out of who they are - but in the end, they are just like anybody else in this world.

As a parent, don't give up. You’ve got this!

We all have times when we feel overwhelmed, but they are the times you can look back on and say: "look we made it!" Try and always think positive, as this will rub off on people, even if you don't notice it....

And remember you are not alone...

Speak up and reach out. We have all been in your shoes at one point. We are here to help, not to judge.

Wishing everyone all the best in their fundraising.

Keep an eye out for me on Facebook Live on 29 March, where I shall be singing away for everyone's enjoyment....I hope!

Visit Roz's JustGiving page

Join Roz on her fundraising journey, and donate to request a song through her JustGiving page.

Find out more

Find fun ways to fundraise for World Autism Awareness Week!

If Roz's story has struck a chord with you, why not take on a fundraising adventure of your own?

Get involved