OCOEE, Fla. – Living with autism can be challenging, with many obstacles to overcome and not a lot of support in some cases.
Two Central Florida men are using their experiences to motivate others to clear any hurdles and live independently.
“One of the misconceptions about autism is that we want to be treated like everyone else. If we do that, we’re in trouble. We do need help and special needs. We can be independent, but we need to work together,” said Ed Couture, co-founder of Hurdle.
When asked if there were enough programs to support adults with autism, Ed responded with “not even close.”
Ed was diagnosed with autism as an adult but went on to become a professional wrestler and work as a casino dealer.
“But my biggest thrill in life was mentoring people like Shane,” Ed said.
Shane Campfield is also living with autism, working as a celebrity photographer and teacher. He was diagnosed as a child.
“I did have it rough growing up, going through different programs in different schools. My parents died when I was young. I think I’ve learned a lot along the way,” Shane said.
Both Ed and Shane are living independently, but that’s not the case for most adults with autism.
According to the CDC, about 5.8 million adults were living with autism last year. The National Institute of Health posted a study showing only 5% were living independently. That’s why Ed and Shane created the organization, HURDLE to spread awareness. It’s a nonprofit motivational speaking group promoting autism awareness and mental health motivation.
“HURDLE is an acronym: Hard work, understanding, realization, determination, leadership and education. All of those five elements are the keys to succeed,” Shane said. “I hope to share the message of motivation and inspiration to everybody else that, no matter the disability, autism or cerebral palsy, you name it. Hurdles will be out there and those do not define who you are.”
When they’re not speaking at conferences and schools, they’re teaching autistic teens and adults life skills at the Building Pathways Foundation. The nonprofit has day programs and housing for men and women with autism, teaching job and life skills so its students can live independently. The executive director, Patty Myers, has an adult son with autism.
“There’s a lot of teens and adults out there that aren’t learning life and social job skills and they’re just sitting at home so we need to change that,” Patty said. “I think seeing someone who lives with autism and overcoming hurdles is key to helping these kids know that they can do it.”
Hayden Ramsey,19, said the program offers the support he needs to work towards independence.
“I love her [Patty’s] heart and what she does and she cares about us and she loves everyone. She never gives up. She keeps pushing. We help each other to reach our potential,” Hayden said.
Ed and Shane said it’s programs like Building Pathways and HURDLE that can help improve the lives of those on the spectrum and better educate the communities they live in.
“We have similar backstories with trauma and overcoming different hurdles and we still are to this day. We decided to share our message and spread awareness and inspiration through the disability community,” Shane said.
“When you’ve met one person on the spectrum, you’ve met one person on the spectrum. We’re all different with different needs. But if you love someone on the spectrum, that’s half the battle of understanding,” Ed said.
HURDLE and Building Pathways will be presenting as part of the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities conference in January in Orlando. You can help contribute to the Building Pathways Foundation by purchasing a shirt or making a donation HERE to help support their programs and affordable living units for adults with autism.