I am a young woman with autism and I attended a special school. Here I completed my bronze award which I loved because I could explore and have an adventure with a team. My local authority SurreyCC gave me the opportunity to undertake my silver once I had left school- for someone with additional needs this can be almost impossible to do, but I achieved it with the help of family and I am so proud. My D of E experience has led to have a love of the outdoors, exploration and volunteering- as part of my silver award I also completed the John Muir Award and my family did the expedition with me( we climbed striding Edge to reach the summit of Helvellyn As part of my silver I volunteered at a mainstream primary school- it was amazing to be able to support young listen despite having difficulties myself. I feel so proud that this award has given young people like me such brilliant opportunities and how it can be so well adapted to be inclusive. My sister went to Buckingham Palace when she received her gold award! Our family are so grateful for the opportunities D of E have given our family. In this picture I am on the right, my mum in the middle and my younger sister on the left.