Ms Marshall's son Levi, 2, has autism.

"Everyone's heard of autism but a lot of people don't understand what it actually is," she said.

"It's hard to explain really. There are so many different signs and signals and everyone who has Autism behaves in a different way.

"I want to bring awareness to the community for not only myself and Levi but for other families, children and adults who go through life impacted by autism."

People with austism can have differences in social communication, strong interests and thrive on repetitive behaviours, which mean interacting with others can often be unpredictable and confusing.

A person on the autism spectrum can be over or under-sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells or light, which can cause sensory overload.

The two friends have pledged to do the Walk For Autism Awareness - recording 10,000 steps from 29 March - 5 April. On the challenge's final day Ms Marshall hopes the community can participate in a three kilometre walk, starting from Cato Lake at 11am.

"You don't have to participate in the week-long event to come along," she said.

"We're hoping to have a barbecue at Cato Lake and network with other people in the community. I want people to understand and not judge others."

Ms Marshall said Levi was very young when she and her partner knew something was different about him.

"I have an older child as well and I didn't want to compare but he was behind with milestones," she said.

"As a mother, it's heartbreaking to see your baby not smiling, or not look at you and be slow with developments. There were signs there but we weren't sure."

Speaking with a pediatrician gave Ms Marshall some relief.

"I got in the car and cried the day we walked out of the office when autism was brought up," she said.

"Not out of pity but out of sheer relief that finally we had some answers and could start helping Levi through life. I have learned so much and have grown so much as a person myself. Motherhood in general challenges you.

"Throw in a child who needs that little bit of extra love and attention and it can change your whole world."

Ms Marshall said the hardest thing for her was being out in the community with others who don't understand or don't have the awareness of autism.

"I know it's not Levi's fault but there were times I felt extreme anxiety when I had to go out in public," she said.

"I know it's human nature to look and judge, but as a Mum who is doing her best, it's tough."

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from the Stawell Times-News. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Northern Grampians shire, sign up here.