Racing with Autism
Discussion
Chaps,
I was recently made aware of the plight of this young man and felt his story warranted further attention. I hope it's of interest.
Chev.
The world of motor racing was recently buoyed by the story of Race2Recovery. A group of injured former servicemen took on the challenge of the Dakar Rally and reached the finish line. The remarkable ongoing career of Alessandro Zanardi and Robert Kubica’s awesome speed behind the wheel of a rally car, are proving that physical disability should be no barrier to success for the truly dedicated and talented in motor racing.
Perhaps less well-publicised are the troubles facing those wishing to succeed in motor racing, but who suffer with mental, rather than physical disability. Austin Riley is a 13-year old karter from Ontario, Canada who is breaking down boundaries as he chases his dreams of being a racing driver. Austin, however, suffers from Autism, a condition which makes everyday life a battle and racing a struggle.
Austin first sat in a kart aged just seven, with his father Jason searching for an activity to help introduce some happiness into his son’s life. Having suffered socially and with his motor skills, Austin immediately found sanctuary in karting and the automotive world. Not only did he enjoy it, but he proved himself extremely talented, with his performances winning a scholarship at his local circuit, where he honed his craft. Within a couple of seasons he was given the opportunity to try a fearsome two-stroke kart, in which he seemed even more comfortable. He stepped up into racing two-stroke Rotax karts regularly and last season took second overall in the Eastern Canadian Karting Championship.
It is saddening to learn that Austin suffers ridicule at school for his condition, but he has found peace at the race circuits, as his father explains, “Karting is Austin’s therapy. All of his friends in life are from the world of karting. I think the reason for this is his friends at the track are not able to see the struggles he has in day to day life and they just accept him as a great driving kid with a great sense of humour.”
While the tracks might provide the sense of belonging which he needs. Austin suffers far more than his peers in performing at his best, Jason explains, “The biggest problem we have with his Autism while he races is his anxiety. A lot of Autistic kids have extremely high anxiety levels and Austin is one of them. He races best when he is in a comfortable place mentally. The smallest thing can affect this. Anything from being late, mechanical failure, unfamiliar surroundings can cause issues.
“It is very important for him to be successful that we get him as comfortable as possible. We try and follow the same routine every time we race. We leave at the same time. We park in the same place. When he is on track I stand in the same place. These small things are very important for him to be able to function behind the wheel. Mechanically I replace chains, gears, bolts way before anyone else would think to replace them. Austin has not had a mechanically failure in the last 3 years.”
It is clear that cars, karts and racing are everything to Austin. He lists Top Gear as his favourite TV show, and the McLaren MP4-12C as his favourite car. He dreams of one day seeing the Le Mans 24 Hours in person. Austin is an enthusiast, just like the rest of us, but, unlike most of us, he has the talent to back it up. Even if he doesn’t realise his ambition of racing professionally he claims he’d happily drive a race team transporter to enable him to be around the sport he loves.
The sting in this heart-warming tale is that enduring motor racing elephant in the room: funding. Austin’s parents have sacrificed everything they have in order to help Austin pursue his dreams and they desperately need funding to help him progress. They are immensely grateful to their two sponsors Terra Glo Lighting and Lincoln Electrical, but are always on the look-out for further help. Even regional karting is now a terrifyingly expensive sport.
Hopefully Austin’s success can help inspire other Autistic children to succeed in motor racing, whether behind the wheel or behind the scenes. For more information about Austin, head to: http://www.racingwithautism.com and for more information about Autism generally: http://www.autism.org.uk. Photos published courtesy of George Michaels and Minimax
I was recently made aware of the plight of this young man and felt his story warranted further attention. I hope it's of interest.
Chev.
The world of motor racing was recently buoyed by the story of Race2Recovery. A group of injured former servicemen took on the challenge of the Dakar Rally and reached the finish line. The remarkable ongoing career of Alessandro Zanardi and Robert Kubica’s awesome speed behind the wheel of a rally car, are proving that physical disability should be no barrier to success for the truly dedicated and talented in motor racing.
Perhaps less well-publicised are the troubles facing those wishing to succeed in motor racing, but who suffer with mental, rather than physical disability. Austin Riley is a 13-year old karter from Ontario, Canada who is breaking down boundaries as he chases his dreams of being a racing driver. Austin, however, suffers from Autism, a condition which makes everyday life a battle and racing a struggle.
Austin first sat in a kart aged just seven, with his father Jason searching for an activity to help introduce some happiness into his son’s life. Having suffered socially and with his motor skills, Austin immediately found sanctuary in karting and the automotive world. Not only did he enjoy it, but he proved himself extremely talented, with his performances winning a scholarship at his local circuit, where he honed his craft. Within a couple of seasons he was given the opportunity to try a fearsome two-stroke kart, in which he seemed even more comfortable. He stepped up into racing two-stroke Rotax karts regularly and last season took second overall in the Eastern Canadian Karting Championship.
It is saddening to learn that Austin suffers ridicule at school for his condition, but he has found peace at the race circuits, as his father explains, “Karting is Austin’s therapy. All of his friends in life are from the world of karting. I think the reason for this is his friends at the track are not able to see the struggles he has in day to day life and they just accept him as a great driving kid with a great sense of humour.”
While the tracks might provide the sense of belonging which he needs. Austin suffers far more than his peers in performing at his best, Jason explains, “The biggest problem we have with his Autism while he races is his anxiety. A lot of Autistic kids have extremely high anxiety levels and Austin is one of them. He races best when he is in a comfortable place mentally. The smallest thing can affect this. Anything from being late, mechanical failure, unfamiliar surroundings can cause issues.
“It is very important for him to be successful that we get him as comfortable as possible. We try and follow the same routine every time we race. We leave at the same time. We park in the same place. When he is on track I stand in the same place. These small things are very important for him to be able to function behind the wheel. Mechanically I replace chains, gears, bolts way before anyone else would think to replace them. Austin has not had a mechanically failure in the last 3 years.”
It is clear that cars, karts and racing are everything to Austin. He lists Top Gear as his favourite TV show, and the McLaren MP4-12C as his favourite car. He dreams of one day seeing the Le Mans 24 Hours in person. Austin is an enthusiast, just like the rest of us, but, unlike most of us, he has the talent to back it up. Even if he doesn’t realise his ambition of racing professionally he claims he’d happily drive a race team transporter to enable him to be around the sport he loves.
The sting in this heart-warming tale is that enduring motor racing elephant in the room: funding. Austin’s parents have sacrificed everything they have in order to help Austin pursue his dreams and they desperately need funding to help him progress. They are immensely grateful to their two sponsors Terra Glo Lighting and Lincoln Electrical, but are always on the look-out for further help. Even regional karting is now a terrifyingly expensive sport.
Hopefully Austin’s success can help inspire other Autistic children to succeed in motor racing, whether behind the wheel or behind the scenes. For more information about Austin, head to: http://www.racingwithautism.com and for more information about Autism generally: http://www.autism.org.uk. Photos published courtesy of George Michaels and Minimax
I don't mean to piss on your chips but that lad is showing signs of Aspergers Syndrome rather than full on Autism. I have Aspergers. My eldest son has it. We love to go racing cos it suits the single-minded attitude that is characteristic of Aspergers.
But my youngest son is Autistic and it would be impossible to get him anywhere near all the noise of a race circuit. The stress of deadlines would have him curled up in a ball rocking back and forth. And the chances of getting him to even smile at a camera or any kind of eye contact, are nil. He doesn't have the hand/eye coodination to tie up his laces let alone drive a kart.
I believe they are using the condition as a promotional tool to gain sponsorship. I question their ethics in doing so, as it detracts from the severity of the condition, and could hinder help getting to those who really need it.
If you lived with Autism you'd realise why it is such an immotive subject.
But my youngest son is Autistic and it would be impossible to get him anywhere near all the noise of a race circuit. The stress of deadlines would have him curled up in a ball rocking back and forth. And the chances of getting him to even smile at a camera or any kind of eye contact, are nil. He doesn't have the hand/eye coodination to tie up his laces let alone drive a kart.
I believe they are using the condition as a promotional tool to gain sponsorship. I question their ethics in doing so, as it detracts from the severity of the condition, and could hinder help getting to those who really need it.
If you lived with Autism you'd realise why it is such an immotive subject.
Good luck to him, my 10 year old is Autistic, he loves cars but hates noise and is obsessive, it has taken us years to get him to race circuits, last year we got him in a cart at Brentwood, he had his burthday party a Rye House. a condition that no one can see is diffcult for other people to appreciate.
Galileo said:
I don't mean to piss on your chips but that lad is showing signs of Aspergers Syndrome rather than full on Autism. I have Aspergers. My eldest son has it. We love to go racing cos it suits the single-minded attitude that is characteristic of Aspergers.
But my youngest son is Autistic and it would be impossible to get him anywhere near all the noise of a race circuit. The stress of deadlines would have him curled up in a ball rocking back and forth. And the chances of getting him to even smile at a camera or any kind of eye contact, are nil. He doesn't have the hand/eye coodination to tie up his laces let alone drive a kart.
I believe they are using the condition as a promotional tool to gain sponsorship. I question their ethics in doing so, as it detracts from the severity of the condition, and could hinder help getting to those who really need it.
If you lived with Autism you'd realise why it is such an immotive subject.
May I ask how old your youngest son is ? My Nephew (now fifteen) has Aspergers, back in 2001 I took him along to an open day at a Subaru dealer, one of the cars on display was a WRC Impreza, it was moved out of the showroom whilst we were in there. Needless to say, I loved the sound, but was shocked to see my nephew in what looked like physical discomfort from experiencing it. A chat with his mum later, revealed he hated loud noises.But my youngest son is Autistic and it would be impossible to get him anywhere near all the noise of a race circuit. The stress of deadlines would have him curled up in a ball rocking back and forth. And the chances of getting him to even smile at a camera or any kind of eye contact, are nil. He doesn't have the hand/eye coodination to tie up his laces let alone drive a kart.
I believe they are using the condition as a promotional tool to gain sponsorship. I question their ethics in doing so, as it detracts from the severity of the condition, and could hinder help getting to those who really need it.
If you lived with Autism you'd realise why it is such an immotive subject.
Fast forward nine years and he gladly attends hillclimb meets at Loton park and Prescott with me. The noise is no longer an issue. But as you've pointed out, if he were to go racing, the stress of dealing with the buildup to such a deadline wouldn't be easy for him, added to which he shows little or nothing in the way of mechanical apptitude.
I'm really interested to see the article striking up a little debate.
First of all I'm not a mental health professional, nor am I a charlatan. I write about motor racing, but was touched by Austin's story and felt it would be good to share with the wider motorsport community.
In terms of defining his condition, I can only go along with his family's assertion that he has been diagnosed with autism. Beyond that, I wouldn't like to say. Certainly, while discussing things with his father, it became apparent that even simply things like fastening the strap of his race helmet are very difficult for Austin.
I wrote with genuine intention and if anyone feels that his diagnosis may be incorrect, or that I have any medical facts incorrect, the family can be contacted via the website and I am available on PM.
First of all I'm not a mental health professional, nor am I a charlatan. I write about motor racing, but was touched by Austin's story and felt it would be good to share with the wider motorsport community.
In terms of defining his condition, I can only go along with his family's assertion that he has been diagnosed with autism. Beyond that, I wouldn't like to say. Certainly, while discussing things with his father, it became apparent that even simply things like fastening the strap of his race helmet are very difficult for Austin.
I wrote with genuine intention and if anyone feels that his diagnosis may be incorrect, or that I have any medical facts incorrect, the family can be contacted via the website and I am available on PM.
Slippydiff said:
Galileo said:
I don't mean to piss on your chips but that lad is showing signs of Aspergers Syndrome rather than full on Autism. I have Aspergers. My eldest son has it. We love to go racing cos it suits the single-minded attitude that is characteristic of Aspergers.
But my youngest son is Autistic and it would be impossible to get him anywhere near all the noise of a race circuit. The stress of deadlines would have him curled up in a ball rocking back and forth. And the chances of getting him to even smile at a camera or any kind of eye contact, are nil. He doesn't have the hand/eye coodination to tie up his laces let alone drive a kart.
I believe they are using the condition as a promotional tool to gain sponsorship. I question their ethics in doing so, as it detracts from the severity of the condition, and could hinder help getting to those who really need it.
If you lived with Autism you'd realise why it is such an immotive subject.
May I ask how old your youngest son is ? My Nephew (now fifteen) has Aspergers, back in 2001 I took him along to an open day at a Subaru dealer, one of the cars on display was a WRC Impreza, it was moved out of the showroom whilst we were in there. Needless to say, I loved the sound, but was shocked to see my nephew in what looked like physical discomfort from experiencing it. A chat with his mum later, revealed he hated loud noises.But my youngest son is Autistic and it would be impossible to get him anywhere near all the noise of a race circuit. The stress of deadlines would have him curled up in a ball rocking back and forth. And the chances of getting him to even smile at a camera or any kind of eye contact, are nil. He doesn't have the hand/eye coodination to tie up his laces let alone drive a kart.
I believe they are using the condition as a promotional tool to gain sponsorship. I question their ethics in doing so, as it detracts from the severity of the condition, and could hinder help getting to those who really need it.
If you lived with Autism you'd realise why it is such an immotive subject.
Fast forward nine years and he gladly attends hillclimb meets at Loton park and Prescott with me. The noise is no longer an issue. But as you've pointed out, if he were to go racing, the stress of dealing with the buildup to such a deadline wouldn't be easy for him, added to which he shows little or nothing in the way of mechanical apptitude.
My views and experiences are only of one autistic child and one with Aspergers, so on second thoughts, who cares if the young karting lad is one or the other? And if the parents find he benefits from it then who am I to belittle their efforts.
Galileo said:
Yes, he is sixteen. We took him to a Pantomime a few years ago, but had to leave when the audience started shouting. He cried out as if in physical pain when the usual "Oh no he didn't" started being shouted, and was unconsolable until we left.
My views and experiences are only of one autistic child and one with Aspergers, so on second thoughts, who cares if the young karting lad is one or the other? And if the parents find he benefits from it then who am I to belittle their efforts.
Yep autism is a wide spectrum that includes aspergers. Whilst I appreciate that autism can be an extreemly difficult condition for some people it doesn't come as any surprise that others can perform well in certain fields.My views and experiences are only of one autistic child and one with Aspergers, so on second thoughts, who cares if the young karting lad is one or the other? And if the parents find he benefits from it then who am I to belittle their efforts.
chevronb37 said:
Great story, Dan. Well done for making it! Is your Asperger's a significant handicap in your commentating.
Not really, but it often is when im around wth other people watching racing or being exited as i flap, so i was outcast for a while for not being able to control itdanfilm007 said:
chevronb37 said:
Great story, Dan. Well done for making it! Is your Asperger's a significant handicap in your commentating.
Not really, but it often is when im around wth other people watching racing or being exited as i flap, so i was outcast for a while for not being able to control it
Galileo said:
I don't mean to piss on your chips but that lad is showing signs of Aspergers Syndrome rather than full on Autism. I have Aspergers. My eldest son has it. We love to go racing cos it suits the single-minded attitude that is characteristic of Aspergers.
But my youngest son is Autistic and it would be impossible to get him anywhere near all the noise of a race circuit. The stress of deadlines would have him curled up in a ball rocking back and forth. And the chances of getting him to even smile at a camera or any kind of eye contact, are nil. He doesn't have the hand/eye coodination to tie up his laces let alone drive a kart.
I believe they are using the condition as a promotional tool to gain sponsorship. I question their ethics in doing so, as it detracts from the severity of the condition, and could hinder help getting to those who really need it.
If you lived with Autism you'd realise why it is such an immotive subject.
Great post, especially the bit in bold.But my youngest son is Autistic and it would be impossible to get him anywhere near all the noise of a race circuit. The stress of deadlines would have him curled up in a ball rocking back and forth. And the chances of getting him to even smile at a camera or any kind of eye contact, are nil. He doesn't have the hand/eye coodination to tie up his laces let alone drive a kart.
I believe they are using the condition as a promotional tool to gain sponsorship. I question their ethics in doing so, as it detracts from the severity of the condition, and could hinder help getting to those who really need it.
If you lived with Autism you'd realise why it is such an immotive subject.
Thanks for the thread though OP!
Had a chat with a colleague yesterday about this. His son is "on the Autism scale". He suffers the motor skills problems, fear of loud noises and general anxiety described above. Apparently he went to a party at a local karting circuit and managed a few (very slow!) laps. I guess every child is different and will react differently to different situations. I wasn't trying to falsely pass myself off as any kind of expert on the topic. I just thought it was a nice story which might bring some pleasure to folk.
Well, atleast we can all talk about something we have in common, and for me, my dyspraxia and acute temper can often attually cause proplems for me when im racing online, as sometimes i can get very angry (and sweary) over incedents i may have not even caused 
but also, when i get exited i jump, so somethimes the wall may get hit with a small adjustment of the left stick
but also, when i get exited i jump, so somethimes the wall may get hit with a small adjustment of the left stick Gassing Station | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff