Middleton blogger ‘Aspling, Girl on the Spectrum’ nominated for National Diversity Award

Victoria, also known as 'Aspling', blogs about autism and has been nominated for a National Diversity Award

Middleton blogger ‘Aspling, Girl on the Spectrum’ has been nominated for a National Diversity Award.

Aspling – real name Victoria Whiting – began her blog Girl on the Spectrum in 2018, after she was diagnosed with autism in early 2017.

• https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/118289/aspling-girl-on-the-spectrum-middleton-woman-speaking-out-to-raise-awareness-of-autism

The National Autistic Society states the condition is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. People with autism can have difficulties with every day social communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviours and sensory issues.

Aspling, a psychology graduate, said: “I'm not exactly sure who first nominated me for the award actually, but I am extremely grateful. At first, I was overwhelmed, and I couldn't understand why I'd be nominated for such a prestigious award, but the evidence is all there on my social media.

“I set up my advocacy brand a year ago, and since then I've been working so hard to provide information and support to both parents of children who are autistic and individuals who are autistic. I wanted to be able to offer support because I know that right now there is a lack of support and people sometimes need a listening ear and someone to relate to; it makes things easier and can be a huge weight of your shoulders.

“I want to be able to reach more people and support more people, I want to share my experiences in the hope that they reach one person, it's the impact my words can have over the quality of likes or comments.

“I want to inspire people and show people anything is possible, that's why voting makes all the difference. Votes validate what I do, they show people 'hey look at what she's doing, I can relate to that, that's helpful'. I'd love to be short listed; it would make my confidence grow immensely and give me a platform to share what I do with the world.

“I don't do this for myself, I do it to help others, because I've been there and I know what it's like, and If I can make one person smile, or provide a glimmer of hope then I've done my job.”

You can vote for Girl on the Spectrum at:

• https://nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/nominate/21614/?fbclid=IwAR3wOnjsANGrxsW0dQ2kvQKJDFaoYr9ZlnfuqBACvx8BtU57yv8LK9uNA1Q