NASCAR driver and autism advocate Armani Williams spent two days visiting local schools to speak with students about his journey in racing and what he has overcome.

On Thursday, January 22, Williams visited Hillcrest Elementary School in San Francisco, speaking with fourth and fifth grade students. He shared his story, including what he dealt with growing up, how he discovered his dream of racing, and the challenges he has worked through along the way.

On Friday, Williams visited The Burkard School in San Mateo, meeting with seventh and eighth grade students for a conversation focused on the transition to high school with autism. Students asked about what changes in high school, including a bigger campus, more teachers, louder hallways, and more homework. Williams also discussed practical supports, including the role of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and talked about the longer transition from high school to college and into the real world, where students begin making more decisions on their own.

“It’s an opportunity to be a role model and give them hope for what’s coming up,” Williams said. “If I can put a smile on their face and they learned something from me, that means everything. I’ve always enjoyed being able to speak to kids at school and explain my story.”