Barefoot Autism Challenge fun coming up

 It's March. And that means it's the start of spring! A time of renewal, a time of change, and a time that makes us want to free our feet! That's right. The Barefoot Challenge is a month away. I have a lot to look forward to next month. The Des Moines Art Center barefoot tour, getting the opportunity to share my challenge on a podcast and at a local school, and sharing it with my young adult ministry. I can't wait to see what April has in store.

But this April, I'll be short of one supporter of my challenge. March 10th, Canadian barefooter Sue Regan Kenney sadly passed away of cancer. Sue's family, friends and everyone in the barefoot community will miss her passion for being barefoot, cold plunges, and just living life to the fullest. 

Rest in Peace Sue.

Valentines Day

 It's Valentine's Day this weekend. I know that a lot of autistic people they want to find love and everything. There's the show Love on the Spectrum showcasing autism and dating. You can find it on Netflix if you want to watch. But what about other Valentine's Day activities? Like other holidays, you can have sensory friendly activities, have exit plans if celebrations get overwhelming, and including special interests.

If you're going on a date with someone who's autistic, it can be a bit tricky at times. Seeing Love on the Spectrum I have seen how tricky it can be. There can be challenges with social cues and managing emotional expressions; that being said people with autism often bring honesty, loyalty and can bring unique experiences to the relationship. If you establish routines, be open about expectations and respect boundaries, I'm sure the relationship will be a success.

I hope you all have a fun Valentines Day! And keep an eye out on the details coming to the 2026 Barefoot Autism Challenge.

Barefoot Autism Challenge 2026

In 2017, I created the Barefoot Autism Challenge as a mere way to get the late, great Barefoot Runners Society more active. As we enter the TENTH year of the challenge, my idea is to look back on the past ten years and honor the legacy the challenge has left.

I have shared the challenge many places throughout Iowa and even in other states through mutual friends and business trips through Wells Fargo. Themed challenges took place in 2020 during a time with much uncertainty and I got that figured out after a trial and error. My challenge was even shared through Special Olympics during the 2022 USA Special Olympics, and in 2024 I did a barefoot tour of the Des Moines Art Center

Barefoot Art Center Tour

Barefoot exercise

Earthing with Olive

MomCast DSM launch party

Des Moines Therapy Neighborhood

Whatever this year has in store for the challenge, I'm excited to see what comes next. Maybe revisiting old events and exploring whole new opportunities. In any case, stay tuned for the new promotional video and put your best "BARE" foot forward for autism awareness. Also keep an eye out for new merchandise from my Zazzle store.

Barefoot Autism Challenge closing out 2025

 I hope everyone had a great time with the holidays. I hope 2026 will treat you all well and is filled with autism advocacy and fun. I look forward to seeing what the Barefoot Autism Challenge will have for next year as the challenge comes to it's tenth year!

Autism on Reality TV

 If there's one thing that gets people talking, it's reality TV show competitions. You either love them or you hate them. Other times people watch them for the drama or because they see people who remind them of their own lives. In the case of autism, it's not that represented on reality TV because some people haven't disclosed it or they try to keep it a secret so other contestants won't take advantage of the fact or just want people to see those individuals as themselves and not autism. Here are some examples of autistic people on reality TV.

To start, Ian Terry was on Big Brother 14 and 22 as well as Traitors. Ian was to this day the only winner on the autism spectrum although he was diagnosed in between his Big Brother seasons. Ian was known for his analytical approach to the game where he first won $500,000 but come the all star season, he was the first person to be on the jury. Terry even represented the United States in the 2021 World Backgammon Team Championship in Trier, Germany. He'll be on the 2026 season of The Traitors.

Speaking of Big Brother, we now have Britini D'Angelo. A member of the Jokers from Big Brother 23, Britini was sadly on the chopping block from week 3 to 5 but saved herself by winning a veto on week 5. But week 6 housemate Kyland Young (more on him later) won Head of Household and D'Angelo tried to make a deal with him to keep each other safe. But Kyland was focusing on other targets and the Cookout convinced him Britini was the bigger threat landing her as the first member of the jury. She revealed to the jury that she hid her autism because she wanted to see people for herself, but the jury was very accepting of her and was proud for saying she has autism. D'Angelo is a kindergarten teacher and a black belt in taekwondo and MAN CAN SHE RAP!! She even rapped for me in a Cameo video congratulating me on getting picked for Team Iowa for the USA Special Olympics.

Onto Kyland Young, he too was on Big Brother 23 but he was placed 4th and was a member of the jury as well. The difference from him and Britini was he was diagnosed with autism AFTER the show and on the launch of The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion. Currently he is competing on the Amazing Race with his girlfriend Taylor Hale. I'm making this blog prior to the finale so you'll have to watch and see how they survive the final leg of the race.

You either loved Survivor 48 or you hated it. I loved it! Especially since the castmate I was rooting for needs no introduction. Watch episode 5 of that season or read my blog about Eva and you'll know what I mean Eva Erickson was the first Survivor contestant to be openly autistic. She is working towards her PhD, captain of the Brown University Men's Hockey Team, and the runner up of her season. If Kamila didn't cut Eva off about blindsiding Shauhin, I feel like Eva could have won with Joe being a tie breaker between her and winner Kyle, but she said that the friendships she made on the show even if they weren't allies, were far more important than winning a million dollars.

Other autistic reality show personalities include Amber Borzotra from Big Brother and the Challenge, L Rodgers from the Voice, Adin Boyer, Sam Finelli, and James Durbin from American Idol and Demi Burnett from the Bachelor franchise. Feel free to give those guys a follow to see more of their autism journey.

Autism and Thanksgiving

 With autism, Thanksgiving can be a bit overwhelming. To best prepare for the holiday, here's some helpful tips.

1. Take the day after Thanksgiving off work. I understand it's Black Friday, but you don't have to shop that day if you don't want to. But it can be a long time to recharge after the holiday if you're tired. It's important to set boundaries for the holiday so be prepared for certain conversations too.

2. Be prepared for changes in a schedule. As someone who's autistic, I struggle with changes in routine especially around the holidays. There might be changes in food options, guests in the home and access to certain personal belongings. Those changes could prove stressful and overwhelming for those on the spectrum.

3. People who are autistic might be picky eaters (guilty as charged). So have food you know you love, or let the host know that you're bringing your own food.

4. Plan ahead. Telling an autistic child that Thanksgiving will be different than a normal Thursday routine is an easy way to prepare for a change in routine. Bring different things from home to make them comfortable like a special interest, a calming item or a favorite piece of travel-sized furniture.

5. Pay close attention to how an autistic individual is feeling. If they feel uncomfortable, don't force them to stay in a certain room or do activities. If they need a break, let them have one. Don't put a time limit on how long an autistic individual or their family should spend with you. It's all about having fun with everyone.

Hope these tips are helpful! Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Halloween fun

 As someone who's autistic, Halloween can be fun but also overstimulating.

One of my friends from high school, Kayla, hosts a Halloween party at her house every year. There's music, treats, and games. It's an adult only party so some of the drinks they have are not for the kids. Kayla knows that I'm autistic and makes sure that if the music got too loud or if I'm overstimulated, I can just go outside to recoup. Kayla's friend Angel helps out with the parties and understands my autism too. She works for a company that provides services for autistic people.

Other Halloween parties can be a bit tamer for those who have special needs

Just this last Thursday, the coaches of the Special Olympics delegation that I'm in, Des Moines Metro Champions, hosted a party at Adria's house. Adria is the founder of the delegation. There was Halloween trivia, a costume contest and a fashion show. My best friend Katie and I were barefoot at the party.

I had a great time at both of those parties. And while there were times when I got a bit overwhelmed by some parts being too loud, everyone understood and let me have my breather space. Even though I portrayed Dracula, his sensitivity to sunlight, garlic, and of course the cross is nothing compared to how sensitive I am to loud noise. But I've gotten better with it over the years.

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween.