HAMPTON, Va. — 29-year-old Je'Quan Mitchell was described as a diligent student in school, actively volunteers in the community, and maintains a part-time job.
"He's a hard worker. He's very meticulous," said Kalishia Mitchell, Je'Quan's mother. "My husband will say, 'Out of our four kids, he's the best.'"
Je'Quan is even known to dabble in the culinary arts.
"We found early that he had a passion for cooking," Kalishia said. "I catered for some years. So, I mean, he could get in the kitchen. It's not anything that he couldn't do. He was my prep cook."
But the chances to show off his skills, Kalishia said, didn't come easily for Je'Quan, who was diagnosed with autism as a child.
"It took us a while to get him... to be able to speak and express himself," Kalishia said. "And in order for them to learn, it has to be constant."
Despite this, the Mitchell family decided to focus on Je'Quan's talents.
"The irony is, he was singing before he was talking. And we used to listen to music, and he could get the tune of a song, and he can [sing it] verbatim," Kalishia said. "He's come a long way."
Exploring his unique skills, Kalishia said, helped Je'Quan achieve his goals. His journey inspired her to create A Brighter Side to ASD, Inc. in 2015. The nonprofit provides resources for the autism community.
"There's so many different levels of autism," Kalishia said. "[We are] highlighting a brighter side to living with the disorder, highlighting what they have the ability to do versus what the stigma is, what they can't do."
The group hosts Sensory Sundays to give children and families with autism an opportunity to go out, have fun, and connect. Kalishia has also held support group meetings and consultations to help families navigate their journey with autism.
"It's really making sure I have a personal relationship with them," Kalishia said. "I live this every day, so I understand what my parents are going through."
She and her team also help families discover and promote their child's unique abilities through events like art and fashion shows.
"[They are] literally allowing them for them to show their skills in their environment," Kalishia said.
While autism can impact various aspects of life, Kalishia said the developmental disorder is only one part of who a person may be, and there is much more about them to celebrate.
"They want to be recognized. You know, they want to feel like they are valued," Kalishia said. "My goal is to just continue to let, you know, our community know, like, don't forget about them."
You can help A Brighter Side to ASD, Inc. by volunteering, donating, and supporting events. The group also wants to connect with businesses that can provide jobs for people with autism.