Our Story
Who is Darius
Darius is a 21-year-old young adult with autism, and his journey hasn’t been easy. School was tough for him—not just because of the academic challenges, but because he struggled to connect with his peers. He often went unnoticed, and the only time his name was mentioned was when frustration took over. His talents were there, but school wasn’t the place where they were seen or nurtured. His language challenges made it hard for him to express what he needed, and his love for music—something that’s always been in him—was never given the chance to grow.
At 13, things started to shift. Darius began singing, and for the first time, people started to listen. He wasn’t just seen as a boy with autism and behavior challenges, but as a teen with a gift to share. It wasn’t an overnight change, but it was a turning point. Music became his way of expressing what words couldn’t.
His connection with the water—surfing and swimming—became another way for him to build confidence and find peace. The water gave him an outlet, a space where he could thrive. He also finds comfort in reading and drawing, where he’s able to tap into his creativity and express himself. At 18, Darius created a book club, a way for him to connect with others and share his love for reading. It was his way of building a community on his terms.
Darius is still on his journey, and while he relies on support, he’s proud to contribute to Championing Autism by sharing his story. His experiences show others that with the right encouragement, a rich program, individuals with autism have incredible potential. His future goals include continuing to grow, building meaningful connections, and showing that everyone, no matter their challenges, has something valuable to offer.
Today, Darius isn’t defined by his struggles, but by the strength he’s shown and the progress he’s made. He’s someone who is learning to be seen for who he truly is, and in doing so, inspiring others along the way.
Selamawit Seyoum (Sel) is Darius' mom, she found Championing Autism
"As a mom of Darius, a 21-year-old with autism, I’ve lived through the challenges that many of you face. There were days I felt overwhelmed, unsure of how to help him, especially when traditional methods just didn’t seem to make a difference. But through all the struggles, I discovered something that truly changed his life: a bio-individualized nutrition lifestyle and a home based school program tailored to his unique profile. Every day was an opportunity—to start over, to try again, to take just one more step forward, no matter how small. Some days, that step felt impossible. It was hard for him to keep track of what he had learned, to retrieve new words, to connect them to pictures. Comprehension slipped through his fingers as he struggled. And he was sick most of the time, making everything even harder.
In the beginning, he didn’t like it. He was frustrated, lost in a world that moved too fast for him. But I had only one tool—love. So I wrapped him in it, held onto patience when he wanted to give up, and met him where he was. Layer by layer, we built—slowly, painfully, but always with love—because it was important for his growth, his progress.
One word at a time, we matched vocabulary with visuals, helping him grasp meaning so we could communicate—at least in the simplest way, the fastest way. This journey—this transformation—fueled me to co-found Championing Autism. It’s not just for Darius; it’s for all of us—parents, moms, and families seeking a better way forward. It’s for those of us whose kids’ talents go unnoticed and untapped—just like my son’s. That’s what fueled me to create Championing Autism: to ensure no child is overlooked and to unlock the potential waiting to be seen and nurtured. Championing Autism is about helping you see your child’s potential, helping them develop their talents, and giving them the chance to make meaningful contributions to the world. We know how hard it is, but we’re here to share and support each other as we nurture our children through a personalized, holistic approach to life. You’re not alone— together, we can make a real difference. My book, Food Matters: Unlocking the Autism Plate, emphasizes the importance of a bio-individualized approach to nutrition and how it can help unlock the full potential of individuals on the autism spectrum."