Running alongside others yet fully at peace in my own space—that’s the unexpected gift parkrun has given me as an autistic person.

Life on the spectrum often means performing unwritten social scripts that I have found in times go by, drain and overwhelm. But at parkruns, what I found is, they offer a structured routine where participation doesn’t require conversation, explanation, or masking. Just turn up, run or walk, get your barcode scanned at the end. It is simply to be there, and feel part of something on your own terms.

What began as exercise became a deeper journey. I’ve improved my time by five minutes over a year. For me, that's five minutes of self-trust, rhythm, and quiet defiance of the old belief that I wasn’t athletic. Even after an Achilles injury, I returned, got my form back, and became stronger and more grounded.

Parkrun has become a weekly routine for me. What I see here is, importantly for me is, a metaphor for autistic life where I can move at my own pace, be part of a community, and belong without any pressure.

Have you found spaces like that? Share your thoughts via the link below—and subscribe for more metaphors from my autistic world.

Ask ChatGPT

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz