Mississippi advocates work to empower the autism community through action

“I think one of the things I think we can be glad about in this generation or in this day and age is that there is more awareness of the fact that people can be different and can still have a lot to offer,” said Banks.

Parents often focus on speech and language milestones. When a child is not speaking as expected, it can raise concerns about communication and safety, including the ability to ask for help.

“They also assume that speech is also necessary for academic gains and for social connection and social gains and development there,” said Banks. “And so it's understandable that that is one of the main concerns.” Banks explained parents become concerned about their child’s safety and treatment when they’re not at home. 

Banks said families may struggle after a diagnosis but often find ways to support their child. She said communities should be more supportive and responsive to families’ needs.

“We should recognize that children with autism may have a harder time regulating their emotions, but they may have a harder time internalizing or receiving sensory stimuli from their environment,” Banks said.

“We can recognize that just because something is not bothering you doesn't mean that it may not be causing discomfort for someone else. And so again, all that to say, we want to make sure that communities are more welcoming, that they ask appropriate questions and recognize that differences are not wrong.”

Marcus Boyd, a global autism advocate, was diagnosed in 1993 at age 10. He said people with autism should not be limited by their diagnosis.

“Don't let a challenge, a situation, or a no stop you. Know that you're a queen or a king,” said Boyd. “Yes, you are going to go through some challenges. Learn from them challenges. Write them down. Use yourself to help propel your legacy.”

Boyd said each person with autism is different. He was nonverbal until age 14, and doctors doubted his independence.

“If you have somebody who has autism, if you have a family member who has special needs and you are out here championing for them. You are out helping raise the next king and queen,” Boyd said. “My hat goes off to you. I support and I stand with any individual, especially in this amazing state of Mississippi who is out here helping to become change makers for all.”

Boyd later earned a journalism degree, produces music and travels internationally. He talks about patience, understanding and acceptance.

“At the end of the day, we have to break barriers and we have to break doors down. We are walking history makers,” said Boyd. “And if we don't tap into our history, nobody else will. And so we have this show without a shadow of a doubt that through limitations and through struggle, we still going to come out shining.”

Jordan Phillips, a special education teacher, said autism awareness in Mississippi is improving and more children are being diagnosed.

“Mississippi is getting better at just sharing the knowledge and more are being diagnosed,” said Phillips. “They’re not being standoffish about the possibility that their kid may need some assistance.”

Phillips’ cousin, Rashad, was diagnosed with autism in 2011 at age 5. She founded Rashad’s Gift, Inc. to support families. He is nonverbal and lives in Indiana with his mother, Quisha Smith. 

Smith said consistency is important in caring for her son.

“Now we went from having barely no eye contact to now eye contact has improved. We don’t have to call his name to get his attention more than once,” said Smith. “He knows how to press his name on his iPad. So, taking time and having patience is the key with him. And I know with all children, even though it's mothers or caregivers are, you know, are tired and they're worn out. And they feel like whatever they're doing is not helping. Just give it time.”

Advocates say education is key to improving understanding of autism.