FORT COLLINS, COLORADO – 23 year old, Sam Lawrence, has won an award for his black and white photos which were taken as part of his photography class at Front Range Community College. He has also earned a spot on the Phi Theta Kappa All-Colorado Academic team.
Lawrence was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 1/2. He spent the first part of his life in dimmed rooms to prevent sensory overload. His parents, after his diagnosis, hunted down every possible program that would assist their son with his disability.
His parent new there was something special in Sam. He was able to ski as a toddler, use a compass, assemble puzzles but poor test scores had people believing he was “stupid”, as many with autism spectrum disorders are considered by the uninformed.
“They are just putting the world together differently, which is what needs to be recognized, respected and nurtured,”
she said. He has completed one associates degree at Front Range Community college and is working on another. He spends his free time helping others cope with their diagnosis through Fort Collins Adaptive Recreation Opportunities.
Source:Fort Collins man smashing autism stereotypes