Two inspiring mums are sharing emotional stories of their family's journey to raise awareness of autism.

Both Vicky Jones, of Beckermet, and Nadia Shaw of Whitehaven, know first-hand the challenges faced when caring for a child with the condition.

And to mark World Autism Awareness Week, which runs all this week, the two women have spoken out to give the wider public an insight into their lives.

Vicky is training to run a half marathon – 13.1 miles – on Easter Sunday to raise awareness of the condition, after two of her four sons were diagnosed.

Four-year-old Elijah, who is a twin, was diagnosed with autism in August.

It was only then that Vicky realised her eldest son, nine-year-old Nathan, had "similar traits" and he was diagnosed too.

"It's been an emotional journey for us since diagnosis and learning about autism," she said.

"We talk about it with the boys and have a child-friendly book. We compare it to having special powers because the senses are heightened.

"It's just having the awareness – we educate them as much as we can."

When Nadia's seven-year-old son Dylan spoke his first word – Mama – to her last month, she videoed it and posted it online and could not believe the response.

Within days it had been shared thousands of times, reaching as far as New York.

Dylan was diagnosed with autism when he was two, and 32-year-old Nadia said being a mum of a non-verbal special needs child comes with incredible blessings as well as incredible challenges.

Nadia is highlighting the awareness week as she says it is important for everyone to understand autism as it can be often misunderstood.

"Autism awareness has improved recently but there's still a long way to go," she said.

"I believe giving people a better understanding of autism will improve every part of our lives, which I'm sure would contribute to getting people the early diagnosis and support they need.

"It will also improve people's judgement and how they really see autism for what it is.

"We need to start embracing all differences among us and stop judging those for being different."

Vicky will start and finish her half marathon challenge at the White Mare Hotel in Beckermet, where she is a regular customer. Staff have arranged to decorate the pub and will be cheering her on.

Her four sons and her husband will join her for the last lap, along with other supporters from the village.

Money raised will be donated to the National Autistic Society. To sponsor her visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/victorylaps