KAHIBAH's Riley Hawke is like any other seven-year-old.
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He loves the outdoors and enjoys watching children's television programs.
But there is one thing that sets Riley apart from other children his age: he has moderate autism.
Riley was diagnosed with the disorder in April 2011.
It affects his speech, senses and social skills.
Riley's diagnosis was a shock for the Hawke family, but Riley's mother, Leeanne, said finding the right services to help was the key.
One of those services was Aspect Hunter School in Thornton.
Mrs Hawke enrolled Riley at the school in 2012.
Since then, Mrs Hawke said Riley has progressed in leaps and bounds.
His communication and social interaction has improved, as well as his understanding of the world around him.
"The best part is Riley loves going to school every day," Mrs Hawke said.
Last Thursday was a special school day for Riley and 40 of his fellow students.
As a group, they travelled to Sydney Olympic Park to participate in the world's biggest athletics carnival for children with autism - the Aspect Schools Sports Carnival.
The seventh annual event was hosted by not-for-profit organisation Autism Spectrum Australia and involved about 600 students from Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter schools.
For the younger students there were games such as tunnel ball, ball toss and parachute, while older students competed in high jump, discus and track and field events.
Students were awarded participation ribbons and schools received points based on placings. Aspect Riverina School won the carnival.
Riley's favourite event was the hurdles, for which he held his mum's hand.
He came home with two participation ribbons.