Many people are dealt unique and tough hands in their lives. Some call the challenges they face burdens. Wyletta Johnson isn't one of those people; instead, she has the pleasure to make a blessing out of her unique situations.
Johnson is a published author, a successful event organizer, a public speaker and an established advocate for individuals with autism, work she's accomplished with the help of her 21-year-old son Darius Collins, a young man diagnosed with autism at a young age.
Johnson was still in college when she took on the responsibility of having and raising a child. When Darius was diagnosed with a severe form of autism, she knew she had a tough road ahead.
"(It was) devastating. I was a young mom -- granted, I was married -- but I was in college. So I'm trying to learn what this is and why we can't do things like other people. There were days where we we're getting ready and he's crying and I'm crying. I'm crying because I feel like a horrible mom, like I don't know what to do, like I can't help my child," she said.
Throughout Darius' childhood, Wyletta and her son encountered obstacles that prevented them from completely enjoying activities, such as going to the movies. There was also social anxiety, as she said people would stare or ask inconsiderate questions.
"It's mentally exhausting," Wyletta said. "It's stressful. I've heard that the stress is equivalent to PTSD, and I believe that, because anxiety is always wearing yMany people are dealt unique and tough hands in their lives. Some call the challenges they face burdens. Wyletta Johnson isn't one of those people; instead, she has the pleasure to make a blessing out of her unique situations.
Johnson is a published author, a successful event organizer, a public speaker and an established advocate for individuals with autism, work she's accomplished with the help of her 21-year-old son Darius Collins, a young man diagnosed with autism at a young age.
Johnson was still in college when she took on the responsibility of having and raising a child. When Darius was diagnosed with a severe form of autism, she knew she had a tough road ahead.
"(It was) devastating. I was a young mom -- granted, I was married -- but I was in college. So I'm trying to learn what this is and why we can't do things like other people. There were days where we we're getting ready and he's crying and I'm crying. I'm crying because I feel like a horrible mom, like I don't know what to do, like I can't help my child," she said.
Throughout Darius' childhood, Wyletta and her son encountered obstacles that prevented them from completely enjoying activities, such as going to the movies. There was also social anxiety, as she said people would stare or ask inconsiderate questions.
"It's mentally exhausting," Wyletta said. "It's stressful. I've heard that the stress is equivalent to PTSD, and I believe that, because anxiety is always wearing you down. I always have to be like ten steps ahead of the typical appearance."
During the first couple of years of his life, Darius was non-verbal. Wyletta said it was difficult to get her son to tell her what was wrong or what he needed.
She got one of the biggest surprises of her life when, one day, she asked Darius if wanted something and shockingly got a response as he asked for a drink. Since then, Johnson has always been willing to hear Darius speak up on anything.
Johnson said she loves the enthusiasm Darius has for hosting events to help others with autism. The breakthrough of her son speaking to her was the inspiration for one of her four books, "How Can I Complain?," where she talks about being open to the big changes with her life and why it's okay to feel overwhelmed.
Tristan Hempstead is Wyletta's other son, who is 12 years old. He was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck that cut off some oxygen to the brain.
ou down. I always have to be like ten steps ahead of the typical appearance."
During the first couple of years of his life, Darius was non-verbal. Wyletta said it was difficult to get her son to tell her what was wrong or what he needed.
She got one of the biggest surprises of her life when, one day, she asked Darius if wanted something and shockingly got a response as he asked for a drink. Since then, Johnson has always been willing to hear Darius speak up on anything.
Johnson said she loves the enthusiasm Darius has for hosting events to help others with autism. The breakthrough of her son speaking to her was the inspiration for one of her four books, "How Can I Complain?," where she talks about being open to the big changes with her life and why it's okay to feel overwhelmed.
Tristan Hempstead is Wyletta's other son, who is 12 years old. He was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck that cut off some oxygen to the brain.
Despite the challenge of raising not one, but two sons with special needs, Wyletta has not slowed down as she works to create a better life for her, her sons and for the community of Camden. Johnson has long been active in the community through First Friday and through events she runs through her nonprofit, Austitic Voyage.
"When you say autism, (Darius) gets excited, because we painted a better picture than what the world painted," Johnson said.
Johnson said that Darius is always excited to talk about the joys and gifts of autism more than the burdens it can sometimes cause. His excitement to open up about autism inspired her to organize events that could help other children and individuals like Darius.
She started Walk For Autism, a walk-a-thon fundraiser to help benefit children with autism, around 12 years ago. In the early years of the event, Johnson saw dozens of people show up; the event has now grown to include hundreds of participants annually.
This past February she also held a fashion show event at the Family Event Center called Autistic Stars and Friends Fashion Show.
Last year, Johnson orchestrated the first-ever Autism Extravaganza Parade for downtown Camden on April 2, which is also World Autism Awareness Day. The inspiration for the parade was given to her by Darius, who challenged her to have a parade on top of the Walk For Autism.
Wyletta may seem like the organizer and the woman with the plan, but she said Darius tells her what to do and what he would like for these events. She describes Darius' drive as "bossy, but in a cute way." She admires his drive to get ideas and for the events to be created, which inspires her to finish them, she said.
But don't think Wyletta is quiet; one look at her style should tell you otherwise.
In most public events, she will wear colorful and unique tutus. Johnson says she has about ten different colors and designs, including solid colors and even a rainbow tutu.
Outside of events and educating people about the joys of autism, Wyletta and her family do not take the little things for granted.
"Normal is what you make it," Wyletta said. "We can't allow people to keep telling us how to live our lives. Like it's a celebration every day. We celebrate something."
She knew this life would be tough, but overall, she preached to herself patience and love to raise her son the best way possible. Wyletta is a prime example of someone who does whatever it takes to make her son happy.
"I never thought that something so devastating would be so positive," Wyletta said of her journey.
She empowers people to stand for rights and freedoms for individuals with autism in her events, promotions, books, social media posts and even when she wears the tutu.
"I just tell people to know your rights. Do not be afraid to use your voice. Learn for yourself," Johnson said.
She tells people to speak up for children and individuals with autism just as she had when she became a mother.
"Who is going to speak for your child if you don't?" she said.