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Experiences With Autism: In Our Own Words

For World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April 2021, we came up a few survey questions for fellow Special Olympics athletes with autism. We both work at Special Olympics. Josh is an Assistant in the Business Services department and Jerry works as a Specialist with the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® program. Through these answers, we hope readers will learn that people with autism have a wide variety of talents, outlooks and experiences.

Article and interviews by Jerry Holy and Josh Cohen
Kurtis Siu - Special Olympics Korea - Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger

Kurtis Siu


Special Olympics Hong Kong - Long Distance Running - Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger
Grace Payne - Special Olympics New Zealand

Grace Payne


Special Olympics New Zealand - Basketball, Powerlifting
Dacki Sandiego - Special Olympics Philippines

Dacki Sandiego


Special Olympics Philippines - Badminton, Basketball
Rodrigo Silvero - Special Olympics Argentina

Rodrigo Silvero


Special Olympics Argentina - Swimming
Aristotelis Makris - Special Olympics Hellas (Greece)

Aristotelis Makris


Special Olympics Hellas (Greece) - Swimming
Chris Thibodeaux - Special Olympics Louisiana

Chris Thibodeaux


Special Olympics Louisiana (USA) - Bowling, Golf, Basketball, Softball, Football
Benjamin Prousnitzer - Special Olympics Arkansas

Benjamin Prousnitzer


Special Olympics Arkansas (USA) - Swimming
Sammy standing outside with a basketball in hand.

Sammy Raveloson


Special Olympics Madagascar – Athletics

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