In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Louisville’s professional soccer clubs are highlighting Laila Randolph, Marketing and Public Relations Manager of Families for Effective Autism Treatment. Created by families with children affected by autism, FEAT is a nonprofit organization that actively supports and funds autism programs for the entire family.
“We really focus on providing resources, both educational and social, to those in our community with autism and their families,” Randolph said. “We are like a hub of all things autism for people in the Kentuckiana region.”
Racing Louisville FC is partnering with FEAT at its Saturday, April 19, game against San Diego Wave FC. Fans can look out for special recognitions of FEAT families and a display of Racing Louisville-inspired artwork created by those with autism.
“It’s incredibly rewarding when families share how comforting it feels to be part of FEAT,” she said “It lets me know we’re continuing our mission of creating a safe, welcoming space where they feel supported”
Racing and brother club Louisville City FC are part of FEAT’s Autism Friendly Business Initiative, and the clubs encourage others to join. It’s designed to help give businesses the tools necessary to better serve those with autism spectrum disorder.
“A lot of times neurodiverse families and families affected by autism don’t necessarily feel as comfortable in some settings.” Randolph explained, “because a lot of people don’t understand what can come with having autism. When a business is an autism-friendly business, and they have that signage that lets our families know that this is somewhere that’s safe, that they can go.”
For Randolph, Autism Awareness Month is a time to make sure families impacted by autism get the resources that they need.
“I think Autism Awareness Month is a time of year that we can really focus on bringing awareness to this group and really try to help them even more than we do for the rest of the year,” she said. “It’s a time to get them the resources that they need so they can be comfortable in society like everyone else.”
Tickets to Saturday’s Racing Louisville game are available at RacingLouFC.com/SanDiego, via SeatGeek or calling (502) 568-2489. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium.
