Barely 16 years old, his natural driving skills are extraordinary. In 2017, he won nine of the 15 races he competed in. Five years earlier, he broke every record in the indoor Arena Racing series – taking three consecutive championships. He is now recognized in his competitive set as the driver to beat. At age 5, the adults in his world noticed Garrett’s unusual abilities. His extreme mental focus
, his exceptional peripheral vision and the ability to observe his environment in great detail. All those qualities that make him appear unusual to others, are actually his strengths. They are the result of Autism. Diagnosed at age 3 on the Autism spectrum, Garrett sees the world through a different filter than most people. He knows this about himself and embraces the challenges and the benefits of his nature. What he’s overcome in terms of adapting at school and at racing is nothing short of miraculous. From being the brunt of bullying taunts and physical threats to handling the massive attention heaped on him for his driving skills is more than most young men his age could be expected to handle. Acknowledging his strong Christian faith as a source of strength, he handles all the challenges that come his way with patience and maturity fueled by an intense desire to help others with Autism. In fact, it is estimated that 1 percent of the world’s population is on the Autism spectrum or about 1:68 births. Garrett invites those families with Autism and their supporters to be part of his winning racing team.
“The success and attention that racing gives me allows me to reach other families that face the same challenges of Autism that I have faced. It gives me a chance to make a real difference for them.”
