For 18-year-old Ashton Toole, the great outdoors isn’t just a place; it’s a sanctuary, and the most profound sense of freedom comes from exploring it on foot. This sentiment is echoed by his father, Daniel Toole, who has taken a year away from his work to embark on a remarkable journey of walking around the world with his son. Ashton, who is non-verbal and lives with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and Tourette syndrome, finds his greatest peace and engagement when immersed in nature.
A Shared Passion for the Trail
“People with autism often develop strong fixations, and fortunately, Ashton’s became bushwalking,” Daniel explained. He decided to take a gap year with his son, who recently navigated the challenges of finishing high school, with the express purpose of “doing something that he loves.” Daniel and his wife recognise the significant challenges Ashton faces, and they wanted to create an experience that prioritised his joy and well-being.
“He simply cannot sit still; it’s not in his nature,” Daniel continued. “He’s so much happier outdoors, bathed in sunshine, and engaged in activities that bring him genuine pleasure.”
An Ambitious Itinerary: Conquering Kilometres
The father-son duo are currently 30 days into an ambitious 600-kilometre trek from Wollongong on the New South Wales south coast to Mallacoota, on the northern coast of Victoria. This is the third of six major hikes planned for the year, collectively totalling over 1,325 kilometres on foot.
Walking as an Unconventional Awareness Campaign
What began as a personal journey has inadvertently evolved into an “indirect” awareness campaign. Daniel shared that “hundreds” of fellow walkers they’ve encountered along the trails have stopped to learn about Ashton and his condition, particularly his severe Tourette’s.
“I need to make sure that people camping near us are aware of the sudden noises that can occur,” Daniel explained. “Most people haven’t experienced a full-blown swearing tic or a verbal tic firsthand.” He believes that by exposing more people to Tourette’s and fostering understanding, “people become more tolerant and accepting.”
Their year of walking began in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, where they conquered the Kepler Track and the Milford Track. Upon reaching Mallacoota in April, their next destination is the Northern Territory to tackle the challenging 15-day Larapinta Trail. “Literally hundreds of people have asked about Ashton and have appreciated my honesty, and seeing it firsthand,” Daniel noted.
The pair’s global trekking plans are set to conclude overseas. They intend to hike the iconic Walker’s Haute Route, connecting France and Switzerland, before heading to Scotland to complete the renowned West Highland Way.
One Foot in Front of the Other: Ashton’s Journey
Ashton was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, and Tourette syndrome at 14. Daniel recalled that Ashton’s involuntary vocal tics started subtly around age 10, gradually intensifying in loudness and frequency. “My wife and I struggled through it all, but we love our boy dearly,” Daniel said, his voice filled with affection.
He explained the necessity of finding outlets for Ashton’s considerable energy. “We need to find ways to ‘expunge’ Ashton’s unmatched level of energy, or he just wouldn’t sleep.” The idea for these extensive walks stemmed from family outings where Ashton’s boundless energy was evident. “We went on a couple of walks as a family, and Ashton was bounding out ahead… he was running most of the way. I had the job to keep up with him, and I realised he really, really loves this stuff.”
Since Ashton was around 10 years old, the father-son duo have spent a significant amount of time exploring the wilderness. “Ashton spends most of the time laughing and giggling,” Daniel observed. “Regulation is sometimes hard for him; he might get really frustrated with stuff that we have no idea about. But since we started walking, that has just been few and far between.”
The Profound Impact of Nature
The transformative power of nature on Ashton has been remarkable. Daniel shared that since embarking on their walking adventures this year, Ashton has begun to form coherent sentences. “He’s classified as completely non-verbal, but since we’ve left on this big adventure together, and I’m spending so much more time with him, he’s just been more open to, I guess, dialogue and talking together.”
This progress has been a source of immense joy for Daniel. “It’s got to the point where Ashton can almost string five or six words together, which is quite exciting. It’s been amazing to watch the transformation, actually. He’s just more open to conversation at the moment.”
Navigating remote and “isolated” areas with Ashton requires careful planning. Daniel highlighted the logistical considerations, such as the scarcity of food stops and the critical need for an emergency evacuation plan in case of injury. “First aid is key, and watching out for wildlife becomes more important,” he added.
Focusing on the Present Moment
While the future for Ashton remains uncertain, Daniel’s primary focus is on creating cherished memories. “If he can look back on this year with fond memories, that’s a good starting point,” he mused. “For now, we’re just enjoying and loving our time together.”
Daniel expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to share this extraordinary journey with his son. “I’m glad that I’ve got the resources to be able to do this. I’ve got a lot of family support. I’ve got a lot of government support. I’ve got a lot of people who are certainly taking care of us. I’ve got a lot of friends,” he said. “It’s a really rich experience — one that both Ashton and I, and my wife, will certainly recall forever.”
