From Awareness to Action: How One Voice Is Inspiring Sensory Understanding Through the #BarefootAutismChallenge

Autism Through a Different Lens

Autism Awareness Month often invites us to learn more, but some experiences can only truly be understood when we step into them, even in small ways.

This April, we’re honored to collaborate with a powerful self-advocate, Tyler Leech, whose movement is helping people do exactly that.

Through the #BarefootAutismChallenge, Tyler invites individuals to experience the sensory world in a new way - by simply taking off their shoes.

The Story Behind the #BarefootAutismChallenge

Tyler was diagnosed with autism at just 22 months old. After initially developing language, he experienced a regression and lost his ability to speak. With the support of his family, especially his grandmother, in Tyler’s words, "she was the Annie Sullivan to my Helen Keller.” Through her consistent efforts, compassion, and love. She helped him relearn communication, and he regained his voice over time.

As he grew older, Tyler began to better understand autism and gained confidence from attending youth leadership forums. Eventually, seeing it not as something that made him different in a limiting way, but as a unique and important part of who he is. Like many individuals with autism, he also experienced sensory sensitivities. Certain textures, like creamy foods, were overwhelming. Social challenges and moments of exclusion, especially during school, shaped his journey. At the same time, his passion for self-advocacy, support in the neurodiverse community, and resilience did too.

After attending leadership programs and gaining confidence, Tyler began to stand up not only for himself but for others in the autism community.

That advocacy led to the creation of the #BarefootAutismChallenge in 2017, now celebrating a milestone with 10 years of impact.

Stepping Into a Different Sensory World. Why Barefoot?

For Tyler, going barefoot isn’t just a preference; it’s a powerful form of sensory regulation.

Many individuals with autism autistic experience the world through heightened or different sensory input.

For Tyler and others, being barefoot can:

• Increase body awareness 

• Provide a sense of grounding and calm 

• Reduce sensory overload 

• Create a feeling of freedom and connection to the environment 

Tyler himself has embraced this fully! Throughout the years, he has participated in various sports, like running competitions barefoot, and was even selected to participate in the Special Olympics, showing others what’s possible when individuals are supported in ways that work for them.

His message is simple but powerful:

Understanding sensory needs can open the door to better support and connection.

A Movement That’s Growing

What began as a personal experience has grown into a movement reaching far beyond its origins.

The #BarefootAutismChallenge has expanded across communities, organizations, and even internationally, with participation in places like the UK and Canada.

Each year, more people take part, not just to raise awareness, but to gain a deeper, more personal understanding of sensory experiences.

Tyler’s goal is clear: To help more people understand the importance of sensory regulation and how something as simple as going barefoot can make a meaningful difference.

Bringing Sensory Understanding to Life: Tyler Leech x Carelinks Collaboration

At Carelinks ABA, collaboration and community are at the heart of everything we do. When we first connected with Tyler, we were genuinely moved by his journey and the message behind his work.

This April:

• Our team is proudly participating throughout April in the #BarefootAutismChallenge 

• We’ve developed a sensory resource, in collaboration with an occupational therapist, featuring barefoot-friendly activities for families. 

• We’re sharing tools that help children explore sensory regulation in safe, engaging, and meaningful ways 

• As part of a naturalistic, play-based ABA approach, sensory experiences are integrated into everyday learning, helping children build regulation skills in ways that feel comfortable and empowering.

What This Means for Families, Educators, and Professionals

Tyler’s story is a powerful reminder that understanding leads to better support.

• For parents, it’s an invitation to explore what helps your child feel calm, regulated, and confident.

• For educators, it’s a reminder that small environmental adjustments can make a big difference in how a child engages and learns.

• For allied professionals, it reinforces the importance of individualized, sensory-informed care that respects each person’s experience.

And for individuals on the spectrum, it’s a reflection of something deeply important: Your experiences are valid, and your voice matters.

Moving Forward: From Awareness to Understanding

Autism Acceptance Month is more than a time for recognition; it’s about connection, empathy, and action.

Through movements like the #BarefootAutismChallenge, we’re reminded that understanding doesn’t always come only from reading or observing, but it can come from experiencing, listening, and being truly open.

At Carelinks ABA, we are honored and proud to stand alongside advocates like Tyler, working toward a future where individuals are not only supported but are truly understood.

An Invitation from Tyler & Carelinks

This April, we invite you to take part in a simple but meaningful experience.

• Take off your shoes.

• Notice your surroundings

• Reflect on how your body feels

And consider how small shifts in understanding can lead to greater connection and support for those around us.

If you’d like to learn more about sensory strategies or access our barefoot-friendly resource, we’d love to connect and share!