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BUFFALO, N.Y. — April is World Autism Month, a time to recognize that autism is more than a diagnosis — it is identity, community, and a lived experience filled with both challenges and triumphs.
For one Buffalo family, that message is personal.
WGRZ-TV’s Claudine Ewing sat down with Chuki Naylor, the mother of 17-year-old Donte Naylor — known in the community as the “King of Ausome.”
Donte, now a junior in high school, is thriving in his own way.
“He’s well. He is growing up quite well. I’m really, really proud of the young man he’s becoming,” Naylor said.
Donte was first given a provisional autism diagnosis around age two, allowing his family to begin early intervention services.
“You need the diagnosis to get connected to services early,” Naylor said. “And we did.”
Over the years, Donte has participated in a wide range of therapies, from art and music to sensory and equine therapy.
He is diagnosed with autism level 3, often referred to as profound autism, but his mother says he continues to defy expectations.
“He’s very verbal despite that diagnosis. He’s very functional despite that diagnosis,” she said.
“Decision-making can be hard in terms of knowing what’s safe and what’s not,” Naylor said. “Sensory issues can be challenging … and he still has a significant speech deficit.”
She adds that while many people see Donte’s public presence, they don’t always understand the full picture.
“As public as we live our life, I have to remind people sometimes — we’re still autistic. So please be gentle and kind with your approach.”
Awareness vs. Acceptance
While autism awareness has improved over the years, Naylor says true acceptance still has a long way to go.
“Families don’t need pity. They don’t need shame. They need support,” she said. “Everybody’s aware. .… What we aren’t doing quite well yet is accepting it as it presents.”
She also points out a critical gap in how autism is viewed.
“We still look at autism through the lens that children are autistic, but children grow up. They become autistic adults, and that’s a bigger issue,” she said.
Access to services
In Erie County, Naylor says services are generally strong, but access remains a challenge.
“The services that we do provide are good services,” she said. “The challenge is availability.”
She notes that increased screenings and population growth have created delays, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Children may get diagnosed at two, but not receive services until three-and-a-half or four,” she said.
Giving back to the community
Now, Donte is turning his journey into action.
Described by his mother as “incredibly kind and community-oriented,” he’s launching a scholarship to support children on the autism spectrum and their siblings.
“Nothing that I ever push forward doesn’t come from him,” Naylor said. “He’s the one leading that.”
Throughout April, Donte and his family are hosting several events to raise funds and bring families together.
World Autism Day Fish Fry
April 2 | 11: a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hosted with UAW Local 774, bringing together community, culture, and purpose.
Ausome Energy: Zumba for Neurodiversity
April 12 | 3 to 5 p.m.
A high-energy, family-friendly fitness fundraiser promoting movement, joy, and inclusion.
Tickets: $25 per person
Ausome Paint & Play Party
April 19 | 3 to 5 p.m.
New Covenant UCC, 459 Clinton St, Buffalo, NY
Tickets: $15 per person
Ausome Adventure: Mini Golf Experience
April 26 | 3 to 5 p.m.
Adventure Landing, Buffalo, NY
Tickets: $15 (mini golf) | $20 (mini golf + scavenger hunt)
More information can be found at kingofausome.com.
Understanding Autism
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.