Behavior Frontiers Celebrates the Achievements of People with Autism!

So frequently, when discussing people who live on the autism spectrum, the focus is on the challenges and the fears about the future. But in amongst those fears are some incredible stories! Individuals with autism who overcome the challenges they face, or, just as frequently, who use their unique perspectives to change the world around them. So, this Autism Acceptance Month, we will be telling their stories. Here are just a couple to kick things off.

Gerald Franklin, Game and Interface Designer

Like many people, Gerald Franklin found his community online. An avid gamer, he used technology as a source of comfort and a way to connect with other people. However, he noticed that the games that he enjoyed were frequently not made for people with disabilities. Gerald set out to change that, centering his career around utilizing accessible design.

“I wanted to make games, apps, and websites that didn’t leave out those with disabilities and special needs. As someone with Asperger’s, I had a vested interest in following this passion,” Gerald explained. Now, as a game and interface designer for WebTeam, he consistently works to make the internet more open to everyone. He has also worked as one of the leading designers of The Spectrum Careers, a program that links people with autism directly to employers.

Alexis Wineman, Miss America Competitor

Because autism can present so differently in girls than in boys, Alexis Wineman didn’t receive her diagnosis of PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified) until she was in middle school. As she got older, she struggled with some common challenges of ASD, such as speech difficulties, issues with communication, and sensory-related problems, like sensitivity to loud sounds. However, she refused to let these things stop her.

With the help of her family, she began to take part in activities that pushed her outside of her comfort zone. She participated in cross-country running, cheerleading, speech and drama. Finally, she decided to participate in the Miss America competition, even though that would mean speaking in front of large groups of people, loud and unpredictable noises, and events that she wouldn’t be able to prepare in advance for. She persevered, and entered the Miss America competition in 2013, after winning Miss Montana. Though she didn’t take home the crown, she did win the “America’s Choice” award, breaking barriers as the first autistic contestant in the pageant’s history.

April is Autism Acceptance Month! At Behavior Frontiers, this is our favorite time of year. We have a full month of activities, information, and fun planned, so make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media for all of the details!