Autism

The following is an excerpt by FanSided from the article titled Spreading the Benefits of Badminton:

World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated around the world on 2 April and designated by the United Nations to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.

Amber Gertsch has a passion for everything she does—taking care of her red-tail hawk, sword-fighting, being an emergency medical technician—but some things stand out more than others.

For SO New Zealand athlete Samantha Shepherd, Special Olympics is the place where she found belonging, personal growth and friendship.

8 November 2021. Two Special Olympics Florida athletes competed in the New York Marathon yesterday. Samantha Rodriquez and Chris Nikic both pushed through the cold to claim their marathon medals.

Amber Radford, a Special Olympics North Carolina coach, shares how the impact she has on all the athletes affects her. She details her start with the movement.

One of April’s “Autism Awareness” themes is celebrating ways that people with autism lead full and healthy lives. For the Taylor twins, that’s something they celebrate every day.

I’m well aware of the challenges of an autistic person in the United States but I wanted to take this opportunity to learn the challenges people with autism face living in Asia.

In 2004, 14-year old Ashley Adie experienced true inclusion for the first time. During a Special Olympics British Columbia Regional swim meet, Adie would enjoy the competition, but she found something much more than the ribbons and personal bests that day.

There he is, alone, with mother nature. Unlacing his shoes and removing his socks, he walks barefoot on the Iowa soil. Depending on the day, a shadow might reflect off the cool grass. The crisp sharpness of the earth glides across his skin helping Tyler Leech disconnect from the world.