30 April 2026
This World Autism Month (April), we celebrate the strengths and uniqueness of people on the autism spectrum. Grayson is one student showing just how powerful those strengths can be.
Grayson, a Year 4 student at Treeby Primary School, recently triumphed at the little athletics championships at Cockburn Central, taking home six medals across six events.
He has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Grayson claimed gold in turbo javelin, silver in long jump and hurdles, and bronze in the 100m sprint and high jump in the under-10s.
Following the championships, he was also named runner-up champion boy and later claimed the overall under-10 runner-up champion boy honour at the Cockburn Athletics Club awards.
Grayson could not be happier.
"I felt really proud because of all the hard work it took me to get to that point," he said.
"I also really liked being up on the podium and having all my peers cheering for me."
Sport has provided Grayson with an opportunity to challenge himself, build confidence and celebrate what he can do. It’s more than just athletics for him, it’s his superpower.
"I like the 100m sprint because it’s long enough for me to reach my maximum speed and I can finish it without getting tired," he said.
Grayson has loved sports from the get-go.
"I also like turbo javelin because I imagine channelling all my energy from my body and onto one big throw.
"Even if I don’t win, I feel good when I’ve tried my best.
"I like training hard to set new personal best records, that means I’m getting better. I like the way my body feels when I throw a javelin.
"I also like sharing my training with my friends at school and helping them to run faster."
Grayson’s mother, Mala Liu-Mathews, said she is so proud of him.
"He has actually worked his butt off this season and put in extra training to get to where he is," she said.
"Grayson has always loved to move fast.
"We first noticed his obsession with speed when he was around seven months old and learning to crawl. Before he could properly walk, he was racing through the house with his walker.
"That drive to move has now grown into a genuine love of sport, and Grayson is happiest when he is active."
Mrs Liu-Mathews explained Grayson’s experience in athletics, having ASD and ADHD, was not an easy one.
Grayson proudly shows off his medals.
“Grayson being neurodiverse, has had to overcome more obstacles in sports to achieve his goals," she said.
"For example, Grayson’s body movements are naturally jerky and harder to coordinate, both of which are common challenges linked to ASD. Events like long jump require precise timing, rhythm, balance and multiple coordinated movements in sequence, skills many children develop more naturally.
As a parent, I also had to prepare carefully on carnival days. I speak with his teachers, make contingency plans in case he became overwhelmed or has a meltdown, and packed a few favourite lollies just in case some extra encouragement was needed."
"He has gone from being highly volatile and struggling deeply with losing, to learning how to manage disappointment and genuinely congratulate others on their performances.
"He now focuses far more on self-improvement."
Learn more about autism on the Autism Association of Western Australia website.