AS a child, Kirsty Seager found life very confusing. For not only did she have learning difficulties, it wasn’t until she was 14 that she was diagnosed with autism.

“Growing up was difficult,” she explains. “I didn’t always understand what was going on at school. When I was moved to a special school life got a bit easier.

“When I was finally diagnosed with autism, I did a lot of research so I could understand myself better – it helped me to make sense of life a bit more.”

Now Kirsty, 24, who lives in supported accommodation in Bournemouth, is fundraising so she can represent her country at the International Naturally Autistic People’s Award convention in Edinburgh next month on October 1.

“This is the first to be held in the UK, and I have seen so many others benefit from being at the previous INAPA events which are tailored towards autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion, that I would love to be able to experience it too.”

To help cover her travel costs she has been making loom bands which she has been selling at Flirt cafe in Bournemouth.

So far she has raised £500 in the past four months through sales and donations, although she still needs to raise a further £400.

“The awards ceremony aims to highlight the positives of autism by recognising people’s talents and abilities.”

Kirsty has played a key role in helping to improve life for local people with disabilities in Poole and has starred in BBC 3 documentaries including ‘The Autistic Me’.

She is also a volunteer at her local Chatterbox project helping to produce a magazine for people with disabilities.

“I just want to thank everyone who has supported me so far.

“This conference will not only help to raise awareness of autism, it will also help me to develop more confidence and make new friends,” she adds.

For more information about the event, visit naturallyautistic.com or to support Kirsty’s fundraising campaign, please visit gofundme.com/9gyc8w