A CARING mum is getting ready to lace up her walking boots to raise money for a charity which supports people, like her son, who have autism.

Sonia Knox will be joined by nieces Rebecca and Amy Porteous in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park this month for a five-kilometre walk in aid of Scottish Autism.

Sonia, 38, has already collected more than £400 for the good cause, which is dedicated to enriching the lives of people with autism.

She said: “I have a nine-and-a-half-year-old son, Innes, who was diagnosed with autism at two-and-a-half years old.

"He was further diagnosed with a learning difficulty so when anything comes up for Scottish Autism, we try to take part.

“Autism is such an invisible disability.

"Sometimes Innes looks fit as a fiddle but, because of anxiety, some days he can cross the road to see the neighbours and other days he cannot bring himself out of his room.”

The term ‘autism spectrum’ refers to the range of ways the condition presents itself in an individual, which can vary greatly from person to person and throughout their life.

Sonia, of Dunbar’s Kirkwood Crescent, said it was important to raise awareness of autism.

She will be joining more than 235 people in the Capital for a walk round Arthur’s Seat on May 20, including 13-year-old Rebecca and 11-year-old Amy, who also stay in Dunbar.

Sonia, who works as a support worker for ELCAP, said: “Rebecca and Amy have been around Innes since they were born and have a really good understanding of the difficulties he struggles with.”

Also wishing them the best of luck were Sonia’s husband and Innes’ dad Neil and the youngster’s half-brother Ben.

She said: “Innes is affectionate towards his parents.

“He is full of life and he is very vocal.

"He is still non-verbal but very loud if he is in a shop or the window is open in the car.

“He is very expressive – we would like to say he is happy all the time but he has severe anxiety.

"He copes very well and we are very lucky.

“He has the communication provision in Dunbar at The Cove and they have brought him on lots but is still non-verbal.

"But he gets his point across and is a wee character.”

To make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sonia-knox3