A lifelong autism diagnosis is hard enough, let alone the social challenges people on the spectrum often face as a result of their "disability".We created Athletes 4 Autism to start changing the attitudes of the younger generations: using sport to teach that "disability" really just means "different ability".People with autism are smart.People with autism are kind.People with autism are important.People with autism may be different than you, but they are not less than you.We have helped hundreds of children stand up to bullying, learn to follow directions from coaches, and be part of a genuinely welcoming team on and off the playground.Our A4A buddies make friends -- typical and on the spectrum. They laugh. They share their frustrations. They celebrate their daily milestones. They challenge themselves. They teach their mentors just as much as their mentors teach them.And that's the beauty of athletic inclusion: getting every kid in the game, because life isn't a spectator sport.

The Goal

We understand and want to celebrate that all kids are different. We also understand that a disorder like autism can make those differences more apparent in some kids than others. Our goals for all A4A kids are:

To Learn

How to make friends How to ask to play with a group Rules of the game Coordination and balance New sport skills How to explain autism to someone who doesn’t know

To Listen

To friends and teammates Understand body language Take direction from coaches

To Lead

Stand up to bullying Invite kids with challenges to play with them Encourage teamwork Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves

When we’re aiming for awareness and acceptance, everybody plays for the same team.

The Future Legacy

With more funding, A4A will be expanding to include a wider variety of collegiate and professional athletes, field days, showcase tournaments, and having representative teams in the Special Olympics.

Continuing to make sport the common denominator teaches tomorrow’s employers, educators and policy makers to include everyone and appreciate their differences.