April is Autism Awareness Month but for one young South Shore man, awareness is his mission all the time.
Thirteen-year-old Ethan Ringer has autism and does presentations to schools to advocate for acceptance and awareness.
Ringer says he’s had to correct or explain Autism to peers and even teachers sometimes, which is why he started.
“Autism has a voice and it should be heard by other people around the world and in the school boards.”
Ringer started his presentations at Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy in Grade 3.
Friday marks his first presentation in Shelburne County.
Ringer wants to get his message out even further though.
“I mainly want to take it across province, everywhere, into as most schools as possible in Nova Scotia and it would be pretty impressive if we got one out of province.”
Ringer keeps his presentations light and tries to make everyone laugh so that they remember what he says.
He says it’s helped create understanding and made it easier for other kids with Autism to talk about it.
“I want them to think ‘this is guy isn’t so serious but he is serious.’”
Some students have approached Ringer after his presentations to tell him it makes them feel less alone or more willing to talk about their diagnosis with their friends.
Ringer says he’s looking forward to tomorrow’s presentation.
“I’m looking forward to making it an enjoyable learning experience,” says Ringer. “Not that I’m boring.”
PHOTO: Ethan Ringer pictured outside his Liverpool home. Brittany Wentzell Photo
By Brittany Wentzell
@BrittWentzell
