They say if you’ve met one person with Autism, then you’ve met one person with Autism.

Every single individual diagnosed with this lifelong developmental disorder presents with their own sets of unique challenges and expertise, which is often why it is referred to as a “spectrum”.  Autism typically affects someone's ability to communicate and interact but can often make daily living skills very challenging. 

Because of the symptoms and developmental delays that often present with this diagnosis this community of individuals is often met with reluctance as they are typically misunderstood or categorized in negative lights. I’m determined to change that. 

Why is this so important to me? Well my younger brother Parker was diagnosed with Autism when he was only 2 years old. We are only 16 months apart in age so I don't know much of a life without Parker in it. I’ve watched his struggles and my parents over the years but as we entered elementary school I noticed very quickly that Parker was misunderstood and often ridiculed or bullied by his peers. I realized very quickly that a lot of Parker’s deficits were just being categorized in a negative way instead of recognizing that Parkers brain just works differently. 

I had to do something. I had to try to show the world that Parker is incredible, he just needs a lot of patience and understanding. 

I am so excited to introduce you to the reason I do all of this, if I can bring back kindness, if I can show the world what empathy, inclusion, and kindness looks like, maybe I can create a world that will accept Parker despite his differences.