‘There is space for everyone.’ Norwalk woman spreads awareness of Autism Acceptance Month through advocacy group
Carsyn Langhorn started Carsyn’s Corner to share her story and encourage others to share their own.
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April is Autism Acceptance Month and a Norwalk resident has been raising awareness on the condition through her passion for basketball.
"To be a leading voice around inclusion in sports,” said Carsyn Langhorn, 22, of Carsyn's Corner.
From dribbling to shooting layups, Langhorn was only 2 years old when her father put a basketball in her hands. That’s when she says she found her passion for the sport.
"I just loved the rhythm of it and I just liked the movement, and there was so much I could do with a basketball in your hand,” Langhorn said.
Langhorn also happens to have autism, so working to spread awareness this April hits especially close to home.
"I'm a Black woman who is on the spectrum,” Langhorn said.
While her love for running across the court grew, she also faced a lack of understanding from coaches of what it meant to be on the spectrum.
"I was the only senior that wasn't captain and that really hurt my self-esteem. I'm not asking for favoritism. I'm just asking for equality,” she added.
Instead of accepting defeat, she began shooting her shots beyond the court by starting Carsyn’s Corner, an advocacy and initiative group that supports autism acceptance and awareness.
"That motivated me to work even harder and to be a little more unique. To support autistic people,” Langhorn said. "I want coaches and anyone in the athletic world to know that not everybody thinks the same. There is space for everyone.”
