With Armani Williams
Q : What do you like best about racing ?
A : What I like best about racing is the competitive nature of the sport . I love the fact that I can go fast in something , just feeling that sensation of speed and wanting to win at all costs . Then just being a part of the racing community when I get to talk with drivers , crew , team owners and business people that could be for potential sponsorship . It ’ s a great sport that I ’ m just happy to be involved in .
Q : What has been your greatest challenges to date as a race car driver with autism ?
A : Honestly , I don ’ t see many challenges of being a race car driver that has dealt directly with autism . I believe my greatest challenges are also my greatest strength . Many with autism have a laser-like focus in whatever they are doing and that ’ s what I use with being a race car driver . The key is to not let anything distract you from reaching your goal in a particular race and so I don ’ t see any greater challenge , it ’ s more of a greater strength .
Q : Why did you decide to publicly disclose your autism diagnosis to the NASCAR community and the rest of the world ?
A : I felt that at some point , I needed to open myself up to the world and not being afraid to tell people who I really am . It is important that when I try to build relationships , people understand me more than I understand them . To share my story and how my life has been with autism , it could help reach those who can relate and those who share that same connection and experience .
It could also help to bring out support along the way and so I felt that it was important that I shared my story publicly to see how the world reacted .
Q : What was the public ’ s reaction when you shared that information ?
A : Overly positive . I get messages on social media from individuals and families who tell me they themselves , a family member or a friend with autism are inspired by me based on what I have been able to overcome and my accomplishments which have helped them seek a way forward . It makes you feel good knowing that you ’ re doing something that can change the world in so many ways !
Q : Who has been your support system throughout your autism journey and how has their support affected your life ?
A : My family has been the biggest support system that I could ever have . When I was a kid and told my dad that I wanted to be a race car
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