The Good Fight - Navigating Education, Advocacy, and Autism Guest: Will Adams, Sr. Host: Dr. Tracey A. Benson Available on: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Amazon Music · YouTube Episode Overview In this powerful episode, Dr. Tracey A. Benson sits down with Will Adams, Sr., founder and host of The Village — a podcast community built to support families raising children on the autism spectrum. Will opens up about his journey as a Black father raising his nonverbal, Level 2 autistic son, Sir William (age 7), and the community he is building so no family has to navigate autism alone. From navigating school placement decisions and fighting for proper services, to launching a nonprofit and creating a legacy for his son, Will’s story is one of love, advocacy, vulnerability, and purpose. About the Guest Will Adams, Sr. is the founder and host of The Village, a podcast and growing community dedicated to building awareness around autism — especially for Black fathers and caregivers who are too often left out of the conversation. After being laid off and searching for his purpose, Will channeled his personal experience raising his Level 2 autistic son, Sir William, into a platform for connection, education, and advocacy. He is also the founder of The Village Network, a nonprofit committed to providing resources and support to autism families. What We Cover • Sir William’s journey: Level 2 autism, early intervention, and a milestone “Happy New Year” moment • Navigating the public school, private school, and homeschool decision for a nonverbal child • Why Will believes most public schools are not yet equipped to serve children on the autism spectrum • What school leaders would need to do to earn the trust of autism families • The 80%+ divorce rate among autism parents — and the loneliness that comes with the diagnosis • Why Will started The Village: creating space for Black fathers to be vulnerable • Elopement: the leading cause of death among autistic children, and what families can do • Hippotherapy: how horseback riding is unlocking development in nonverbal children • The Village Network nonprofit and the vision for community-led support • How educators, advocates, and community members can get involved Notable Quotes "Don’t let a diagnosis be a handicap when it’s not — these kids are very smart. They just see the world differently than we do." — Will Adams, Sr. "Autism is a lifestyle. We’re building a community where our kids don’t have to wonder if they belong." — Will Adams, Sr. "We want to be a partner with the school, not an enemy. Our goal — and should be every teacher’s goal — is to make sure every student gets the proper education and treatment." — Will Adams, Sr. Episode Timestamps 0:00 Introduction — Dr. Benson introduces Will Adams, Sr. and The Village 1:07 Meet Sir William — Level 2 autism, early intervention, and the school placement decision 3:24 Public school, private school, or homeschool? Weighing the options in Texas 5:39 The power of early intervention and the “Happy New Year” breakthrough 9:40 What public schools would need to do to earn Will’s trust 17:00 Parents as partners, not problems — a message for school leaders 19:19 The origin of The Village — a layoff, a prayer, and a purpose 21:32 The loneliness of autism parenting and the 80%+ divorce rate 24:00 Elopement: the number one cause of death in the autism community 27:09 Hippotherapy and the power of horses for nonverbal children 29:19 The Village Network nonprofit and building a legacy for Sir William 31:11 The Village is for everyone — not just autism parents 32:43 How to connect with Will and get involved Resources & Links The Village Podcast Find everything at The Village Linktree Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • YouTube Contact Will Adams, Sr. For collaborations, partnerships, or community inquiries: Email: bigsir8419@gmail.com The Village Network The Village Network is Will’s nonprofit dedicated to bringing back-to-school events, fundraisers, and community resources to autism families. To get involved or learn more, reach out via email above. For School Leaders & Educators Will shared a direct challenge to public school systems across the country. Here is what he says families like his need to feel confident enrolling their child: • Hiring trained behavioral specialists (RBTs, BCBAs) — not repurposing existing special needs staff • Genuine careness and commitment from teachers who see students as more than a check • Proof points of measurable success in autism programs — not checkbox compliance • An open-door partnership with parents, treating them as experts on their own child • Adequate funding and resources so that autism programs are not under-resourced from the start If you are a school leader listening to this episode and want to connect with Will about partnership opportunities through The Village Network, reach out at bigsir8419@gmail.com. About Research to Practice The Research to Practice Podcast is produced by the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute, hosted by Dr. Tracey A. Benson. Each episode bridges the gap between research and lived experience, centering the voices of those working on the front lines of equity, advocacy, and education.
