Looking back on ten years

 The Barefoot Autism Challenge has completed its tenth year. And honestly, I couldn't have been more proud. When I started this challenge, I thought nobody's going to want to have anything to do with this, but I was surely mistaken!

I have had the privilege to make new friends just like I have with every year ever since my challenge began. Some I got to know through sharing my challenge and talking about it at different groups. Some friends I got to reconnect with after not seeing for so long. Whatever is in store for the Barefoot Autism Challenge for the coming years is yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure, I will always be grateful for the opportunities I had to share my challenge, tell my story, and make sure people with autism are seen and heard!

I'm looking forward to more fun opportunities such as meeting Britini D'Angelo from Big Brother 23 at the Fi & Friends Organization Resource Fair in July, or possibly meeting Tanner from Love on the Spectrum at one of the meet and greets at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis.

I even got connected with some people who are part of the Stars of the Spectrum group. Maybe I'll share my challenge at one of their events; until then I'll be prepared to share my challenge from years to come.

Barefoot Autism Challenge week 2 and week 3

 The Barefoot Autism Challenge has been having a great 10 year anniversary so far. Here's a rundown

Last weekend I shared my challenge at the Iowa State Greek Week polar plunge. Normally I plunge, but the feels like temperature was very cold so I didn't. That being said I did show support for my team! Also I shared my challenge at the Little Book again with Megan and Alicia from 143 Speech Therapy and TalkPlay Junction respectively. I read the Dr. Seuss ABC book after doing a sensory walk with the kids who came to the event. That was the book that let me regain my speech after I was diagnosed with autism.

That same weekend, I had a dance competition with the Dance Vision Dream Team and the Iowa Events Center. Most of us were barefoot because it was an option for us. Of course a lot of us opted for being barefoot; especially since being barefoot makes it easier to control the turns and all that. It's my first time doing dance so I'm just a rookie at this.

Also on a personal note: I turned 33 years old on April 16th! I was barefoot at my young adult ministry and shared my challenge with them as well as at Smash Park where we had an Eat and Greet after the service. Although that part was scheduled for that day already so that was just a coincidence.

And an update on the Athletes for the Barefoot Autism Challenge event, we have a few new vendors for the event, In The Sticks BBQ, and Sweet Swirls. I'll share another vendor announcement next week.

And tomorrow is the Barefoot Autism Challenge tour at the Des Moines Art Center! I'll post about that later.

Athletes for the Barefoot Autism Challenge

 Are you ready for this? In collaboration with the Barefoot Autism Challenge, the Des Moines Rugby Club and 515 Run Club are teaming up to bring an event of barefoot activities!

On April 28th from 5-8 pm, people can join in for some barefoot rugby and running as well as local vendors, food trucks and more! It'll be at the Des Moines Rugby Club in West Des Moines for anyone who's interested.

Shoutout to my friend Anna for helping put this together

Busy Mom's Boutique is one of the first vendors and will sell dirty sodas and loaded teas

The spots marked in red are the best places to park and the spots marked in blue are where we recommend snagging a spot so you can cheer on runners and rugby players. Bring your own chairs and blankets!

Barefoot Autism Challenge week 1

 April is here! That means the Barefoot Autism Challenge starts! It's been a great week for the Barefoot Autism Challenge so far! I'll give you a rundown of each week this month.

To start, I was interviewed on Hello Iowa on channel 13 by Megan Reuther. I shared highlights from the past few years of my challenge as well as shared an upcoming event that will be put on by the Des Moines Rugby Club and the 515 Run Club. More on that in a future blog post. And with that the Barefoot Autism Challenge officially got underway.

On Autism Awareness Day, I went to Grant Ragan Elementary school in Waukee where they have a whole day showing fun things related to autism to the students. Megan Trader's first grade class had me talk about my challenge and we did a little barefoot walk around the school. We were going to do it outside but for weather reasons had to stay inside.

Even after we did the walk, some of the kids didn't even want to put their shoes and socks back on which I can relate to. But they did have to go back on before lunch. I'll definitely be back for next year.

My friend Alicia from Talk Play Junction was there too

There's still a lot more to come for April but I'm excited to celebrate 10 years of my challenge! Stay tuned for more.

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.

Disability Employment Month

 October is not just spooky month, it's also Disability Employment Month. Unfortunately, not many people who have disabilities have jobs due to factors such as discrimination, stigma, and barriers to employment. In 2024, the employment ratio for those with disabilities was 22.7% compared to 65.5% for those without.

As someone who's autistic, I know that it can be hard to find places that are willing to hire people with disabilities. I'm fortunate to have worked for a company that values inclusion for the past ten years. A few other friends who have disabilities have jobs too whether it be full time or part time. If you're autistic or have any other special needs and are looking for a job, just know that other places are willing to hire you if you look hard enough, and if anyone discriminates you, stand up for yourself and have friend to back you up. I know it's not easy but I want to let you guys know that I believe in you.

And to those of you with disabilities who have jobs, I hope you guys inspire other people with disabilities that they can get that job they want too. If the world allows more people with disabilities to get hired for jobs, we can be on the way to a more inclusive world.

Barefoot and autism Halloween

 This blog post is all about both autism and being barefoot for Halloween.

If your looking for tips and tricks for Halloween for people on the autism spectrum, the best way to start is the teaching story All About Halloween to teach autistic children what to expect around Halloween. You can add pictures and text to the story to personalize it too. Scary things can be overwhelming to those with sensory needs. For costumes, be aware of special interests for costumes like their favorite characters. Be aware of sensory issues for the costumes as they might itch, smell, or be uncomfortable. Don't use costumes that are challenging for sensory experiences and try a larger sized costume so kids can wear their own clothes underneath. Explain that if a friend is wearing a mask or face paint, it's still their friend underneath.

For trick-or-treating, use teaching stories to explain what trick-or-treating involves. Use nonverbal trick-or-treat signs if your child is nonverbal. If your child doesn't want to go out at night, go earlier in the evening. And just like with other kids, trick-or-treat in your neighborhood, go with friends and neighbors, ask a grownup your know to go along, check out all treats before eating them, carry a flashlight if you go at night, and for autistic people use sensory toys, headphones, or ear plugs.

The next part is barefoot costumes at Halloween. If you love being barefoot and want to go barefoot with your costume, this YouTube link has ideas for barefoot costumes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMWa-qXJcD0

Of course, some costumes are barefoot already like the Flintstones, Elsa from Frozen, or Tarzan. But if you want to have your costume be authentic and barefoot, use body paint to cover your feet so they'll go with your costume. For example, a skeleton can use grey paint to paint the bones on your feet, green paint for the Hulk, and so on. I'm going to be a barefoot vampire for this Halloween party fundraiser put on by Adria and Taylor of the Des Moines Metro Champions delegation for Special Olympics Iowa. There'll be a costume contest with prizes too so wish me luck. My best friend Katie's going to have a barefoot costume too.

Fall season

 The fall season is among us. That being said, it's been warm enough for me to go on barefoot walks still. I enjoy the feeling of fall leaves crunching under my bare feet. My best friend Katie and I went on a barefoot walk over the weekend after bowling and it was fun; it was a bit of practice for Special Olympics as well.  It was a short one because it was a hot day and I had a busy weekend.

That being said, if it's warm enough this fall where you're at, take advantage of getting outside while you can. Enjoy the bonfires, hikes, football, and fun time with the family.

What a week it's been...

 Autism has been featured in the news again, and I can tell you it's been a bit overwhelming for me and a lot of other people. People have said so many things about where autism comes from but don't have the facts to back it up. Some of the things that were said have hurt people in the autism community. I know it's rough, but the autism community will always bounce back. I have some friends in my corner who are there for me, and they have been extremely supportive. I can't do this alone so thank you to the autism community for having my back and take time for yourself. Have a bit of a mental break. That's exactly what I need right about now.

Barefoot Lifestyle Book

 For those of you who know, I have a few friends who live their lives completely barefoot. There's some groups online for people who live the barefoot lifestyle too, mainly the Society for Barefoot Living and Barefoot is Legal. Now there's a book about living the barefoot lifestyle called Barefoot Is Legal: Voice For The Barefoot Lifestyle written by Barefoot is Legal founder Dave Kelman

The description states: People by nature hate being forced to constantly wear shoes all the time. Most people think laws exist against going barefoot. There are zero laws in North America regarding driving a car, going to a store, or eating in public barefoot. Plus, there are health benefits to the barefoot lifestyle you were never told about. Flip-flops are the world's most worn shoe. Why? Because people want the freedom to not wear shoes, but they are afraid of public ridicule. Learn the reasons why we started a 501c3 non-profit and how going barefoot is completely normal.

I definitely recommend this book if you want to try living a barefoot lifestyle especially as I've gotten more comfortable being a barefooter. As of now, the book is available on the Barnes & Noble website and not in stores yet. But feel free to check this book out. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-is-legal-david-kelman/1148145632

Back to School

 Back to school is a big moment for someone who has autism. For me, I always enjoyed school and learning and making friends. I do understand it can be hard though. Here's some things I had in my school years that you or your child can use.

My family had social stories for me to prepare what the school would be like and what to expect from the schedule. I also had an IEP and a regular meeting with a staff member to see how things are going. Accommodations are something I highly recommend as well. These accommodations can be things like a hall pass, extended time on tests, and copies of notes in case the time it takes to write down the notes isn't up to speed.

In addition, meeting with the teachers before school starts is something I did so I would know what the teachers are like. Letting them know about autism is a key point too. The only regret I had was not sharing this with a teacher I had who was a bit too strict for me that I was autistic. She was a bit hard on a lot of the students in general though. Other than that, letting the teachers know is a good way for an autistic student to get acquainted with the environment as well as develop a relationship with other students and staff.

Hope everyone has a good back to school!

Wiggle your toes day

 Yesterday was a silly little day called Wiggle Your Toes Day. It just lets you free those piggies of ours and lets you feel like a kid again. Another thing when you wiggle your toes, it allows you to let the blood flow through your toes and gets them active. I try to get my feet free every chance I get. Hope you guys get the chance to as well. Summer will be over before you know it.

Happy Fourth of July

 It's the Fourth of July. I know from experience it can be a bit overwhelming for someone who's autistic. Fireworks can definitely be overstimulating for people with autism; I would know since I would have my hands over my ears when I was a kid and eventually got better at dealing with them. In this case, having noise cancelling headphones are the best way to go.

With it being a hot summer, the heat can be uncomfortable too. In this situation, water and fans are good things to have around. If you're going to a barbecue tonight and it's overly crowded, just tell the host(s) you need to have a break and go to somewhere quiet to regroup. And if they don't have food you like, you can bring some food that you enjoy. Other than that, just remember to have fun this holiday.

And in my experience, if it's too hot to be barefoot, wear shoes. Simple as that. Have a great Fourth of July everyone!

"Special" Update

 

Four years ago, I got a letter saying I got picked for the 2022 USA Special Olympics in Orlando Florida. It was the highlight of my Special Olympics career. I did bowling when I was down there and I had fun making new friends and competing on a national level. Fast forward to this year, I got chosen again for the USA Special Olympics but I got picked for bocce. The location is also different, Minneapolis Minnesota. Obviously I will have training to do but I'm not going to have an exercise theme for the Barefoot Autism Challenge like I did in 2022. That being said, I'll be training as hard as I can and I know that it'll be fine regardless.

What I look forward with these games is besides competing in a sport I love and making new friends, is so many fun opportunities. Last time I led Team Iowa in the parade of athletes; I doubt I'll be doing that again but we'll see what happens. There's a cool event called the ESPN Unified Sports Challenge where athletes can do fun activities with Unified Partners and celebrities. I would love to do this because it's not everyday that I would compete alongside certain celebrities. One of my favorite celebrities is gymnast Shawn Johnson East who happens to be an ambassador for the games. Maybe she'll be on one of the teams doing the challenge. Who knows?

All I know is that even though the games are a year away, I need to prepare myself, train as hard as I can, and just know that there are going to be so many great things ahead. I can't wait to meet my bocce team and have a great time in Minnesota.