Video: I ran the NYC marathon this year for my autistic brother

Team Wyatt shared how the marathon meant so much more this year

By Jackson Isaacs

 

A man and a women in post marathon blue coats wear gold medals and smile with two other men in shirts that read Team Wyatt

As 2021 wraps up, we asked members of community to share milestones and accomplishments they had in 2021 that they are thankful for. These big and small wins show the diversity of experiences on the spectrum. This guest blog is from Jackson Isaacs who ran the NYC Marathon for his younger brother, Wyatt. 

Team Wyatt raised over $53k for Autism Speaks running the NYC Marathon. We remain #inspired and are focused on helping the autistic community find employment opportunities that can help them assimilate into the world.

Our inspiration is Wyatt, an autistic young adult who graduated last year from Portland State University in their newly developed CCS Program (Career and Community Studies); a program focused for autistic young adults. He has evolved largely as a spokesperson for autism throughout his life – being featured in @HBO Emmy Award-winning musical, 'Autism: The Musical,' as well as recently staring in the Sequel, 'Autism: The Sequel.' He also has created and performed a song on stage with Jack Black in an effort to raise awareness for autism.

Our team has found inspiration over the past two years as Wyatt's transition to the workforce has been extremely challenging. He was let go in his first full-time employment opportunity post-graduation as the employer expectations exceeded his skill-set (and the challenges that face an autistic young adult). Our goal is to help Wyatt find a job that will provide the necessary support to get started and then allow for him to flourish - something he does inspirationally well when around people who look at him with equal #respect." 

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