{"id":12401,"date":"2024-03-18T12:29:59","date_gmt":"2024-03-18T16:29:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=12401"},"modified":"2025-03-10T09:18:10","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T13:18:10","slug":"denzel-closs-autism-advocacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/denzel-closs-autism-advocacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Becoming Your Own Character \u2014 Denzel Closs\u2019 Journey in Autism Advocacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we mark the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week<\/a>, we don\u2019t only take time to recognize the vast and variable nature of the human experience. We honor the contributions neurodivergent<\/a> thinkers and leaders make every day \u2014 shaping the future with ingenuity, innovation, and unique insight.<\/p>\n

Over the past two decades, autism diagnoses have risen at a steady rate<\/a>. Contrary to appearances, this is not because autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is becoming more prevalent \u2014 instead, it\u2019s because awareness of ASD is becoming more refined.<\/p>\n

One improved understanding? ASD truly is a spectrum. From one individual to another, autism doesn\u2019t look the same. With the knowledge that autism represents a broad range of neurodiverse identities, mental health professionals, families, and individuals have become more aware of the nature of ASD and other neurodivergences \u2014 leading to better diagnostic methods and enhanced visibility.<\/p>\n

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While entertainment, social media, and science have all weighed into the equation, the most critical factor in raising awareness is the work of the advocates promoting a shift in public perception. Moreover, unlike a TikTok video or Instagram post, the grassroots advocates in your area are directly on the ground \u2014 offering on-the-spot support to individuals and families in the autism community.<\/p>\n

Goodwin University student Denzel Closs is proudly amongst the neurodivergent leaders advocating for the autism community. Throughout his Goodwin journey, Denzel has made the Dean\u2019s List four times, completed fieldwork for his Human Services degrees, and served at Autism Families of Connecticut<\/a>, where he provides a safe space for autistic youth and their families \u2014 helping them feel validated, valued, and seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was a different individual trying to find my place\u201d<\/h2>\n

While some of us may recount our school days with sentimentality, we must remember that the K-12 experience is vastly subjective. While those pre-diploma days might be a source of nostalgia for some, for many neurodivergent folks, the K-12 educational journey can range from anxiety-inducing to deeply disenfranchising.<\/p>\n

Although educational equity has undoubtedly improved over the past decades<\/a>, many factors maintain the propensity to make school a traumatic experience for neurodiverse youth<\/a>. From struggling to receive appropriate, equitable, and accessible support services to social exclusion, bullying, and sensory overstimulation, neurodivergent learners can struggle to acclimate to academia \u2014 ultimately creating an isolating environment that paints formal education in a negative light.<\/p>\n

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Such trials were defining traits of Denzel Closs\u2019 early education. \u201cI was born in Hartford, then my folks and I moved to East Hartford in the late 90s,” Denzel recalls. “I remember as I got into my teen years and high school, the experience was difficult. I always felt so different. I was a different individual trying to find my place, and I didn\u2019t know where I stood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then, the summer before his first year of high school, struggling with self-identity led Denzel to a life-changing realization. \u201cIt was summer 2009, and I was heading into ninth grade,\u201d he remembers. \u201cI wanted to find out more about myself and why I felt so different from everyone. Then, my mother told me autism runs in the family and that I have an uncle with autism. When he was growing up, no one knew what it was until things started changing over the years and throughout time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI realized I don\u2019t really need to be like everyone else\u201d<\/h3>\n

For Denzel, this realization led to a profound sense of validation. \u201cI was trying to be like everyone else and was getting nowhere,\u201d he describes. \u201cThen, I realized I don\u2019t need to be like everyone else. I could be my own character.\u201d<\/p>\n

While identifying on the spectrum was liberating for Denzel, it didn\u2019t eliminate the daily challenges he encountered at school. \u201cWhere I was, most people didn\u2019t understand what it meant to be different, especially when you have a special needs fellow,\u201d he delineates. \u201cPeople would be disrespectful or act like they could care less if somebody was different from them. A lot of the time, I didn\u2019t even feel welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

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With adversity stemming from classmates and instructors alike, Denzel made himself a promise once he completed his studies. \u201cAfter graduation, I made a vow,\u201d he shares. \u201cI decided to move on to bigger and better things, and I didn\u2019t plan to go back to school.\u201d<\/p>\n

From education to advocacy<\/h2>\n

At first, Denzel didn\u2019t stray from his vow to avoid the education system. Initially immersing himself in the workforce, Denzel eventually answered an intrinsic calling in 2019 when he began working with Autism Families of Connecticut.<\/p>\n

A nonprofit currently based in Berlin, Denzel valued the opportunity to give back to a community close to his heart. \u201cThe program helps everyone from young children and teens to young adults. We help them come out of their shells so they won\u2019t feel bad, abandoned, or non-existent \u2014 they feel like they\u2019re not alone and like they belong. It\u2019s a safe space where nobody will prey on them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting visibility and belonging at the forefront, Autism Families of CT<\/a> has allowed Denzel to provide autistic children and young people with the inclusive experience lacking from his own school days. \u201cWe do all different events, programs, and activities,\u201d he relays. \u201cWe do activities like Leisure Explorers, where they learn and discover new things, and even more formal things like Karate Night.\u201d<\/p>\n

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As a leader, Denzel is proud to see the fruits of these hands-on activities blossom in participants. \u201cThey gain confidence they\u2019ve never had before and really come out of their shells. They discover new hobbies and interests in a calm and relaxed space.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Denzel found immense satisfaction in his work, 2020 marked a change of heart \u2014 leading Denzel to pursue an unanticipated path. \u201cWhen we got to dealing with COVID, I realized I didn\u2019t want to be in lockdown at home because it would affect my mental health,\u201d he reflects. \u201cI remember asking myself when the last time I really went for something was. I\u2019d been out of school for a while, and began thinking it would be nice to go back.\u201d<\/p>\n

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At Goodwin University, we start with you. With comprehensive support services, small class sizes, and hands-on learning opportunities, you\u2019re always more than a number here. Learn how the Goodwin community can help you achieve your personal and professional goals today!<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Returning to class<\/h2>\n

Exploring the academic opportunities ahead of him, Denzel quickly determined Goodwin would be the best place to pursue his degree. \u201cI wanted to try something different. Being from the area, I heard about Goodwin,\u201d Denzel offers. \u201cI felt like Goodwin was for everyone. It gives you opportunities you\u2019ve always wanted to find and can help you branch out right from where you\u2019re standing.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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While Goodwin may have been an easy choice, picking a program of study was the second decision Denzel would have to weigh. \u201cI was going for my associate degree, but wasn\u2019t sure what kind of degree I wanted to go for,\u201d he recounts. After some consideration, the idea came to Denzel, and the stars aligned instantly \u2014 he would pursue his degree in Human Services<\/a>. \u201cAs I was working toward my associate degree, I came to the realization that I\u2019ve always been a people person. I like talking to people and getting to know them more, even helping them reach what they\u2019re trying to achieve.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Safe. Seen. Validated.<\/h3>\n

Given Denzel\u2019s first-hand experiences with identity and advocacy, the specifics of his developing academic journey took little deliberation \u2014swiftly solidifying as a long-term career plan. \u201cThe autism community has meant so much to me, so I figured going for my degree in Human Services would help me work more with other fellows on the spectrum,\u201d he shares. \u201cI want to help the autism community and everyone on the spectrum try to come out of their shells.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

By achieving his Human Services degree, Denzel intends to use empathy and perspective to positively impact individuals who have faced struggles similar to his own. His voice and identity on the spectrum enrich his advocacy \u2014 promoting visibility and inclusion for other neurodiverse and autistic people. \u201cI\u2019ve been there, and the autistic community did so much for me. I got to meet more people like me,” Denzel reflects. “I want to help others feel like they\u2019re not alone. I want to help them feel safe, seen, and validated.\u201d<\/p>\n

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With an eye on his aspirations, Denzel has found the Human Services program is elevating his professional development. In addition to providing hands-on opportunities to dive into the field, Denzel found Goodwin\u2019s Office of AccessAbility<\/a> to be a significant source of support. \u201cMolly Zatony from AccessAbility has helped me find the best ways to organize myself and understand my classwork by providing information in a more accessible way \u2014 going beyond how the work is presented in class.\u201d<\/p>\n

Differences in diversity<\/h2>\n

Historically stigmatized, ASD was once considered a condition in need of a cure<\/a>. Today, with advanced insights into neuroscience, an increased understanding of human diversity, and higher values of social equity, visibility and awareness about autism have risen. \u201cPeople once thought autism was a disease happening that could affect their children, or that it was a hoax,\u201d Denzel attests. \u201cBut it\u2019s really gotten out in the open.\u201d<\/p>\n

Throughout his studies, Denzel has maintained his role at Autism Families of Connecticut \u2014 using his platform to inspire positive progress and inclusion. \u201cIn 2022, we spoke at the state capital where people were standing outside for this big event,\u201d he shares. \u201cThere were even news reporters there broadcasting everything. I joined our program director on WTNH Channel 8 News. I told them what we do and how we really make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Still, there remains much work to be done. One consideration is intersectionality<\/a>. For autistic people of color, the overlapping barriers of neurotypical ableism and racial prejudice present significant hurdles. From social and institutional biases to inequitable justice practices, Black individuals on the spectrum are critically marginalized.<\/p>\n

On March 9, 2024, light was shed on this issue when Ryan Gainer, an autistic Black teenager, was killed by San Bernardino police<\/a> while experiencing a mental health crisis. Quickly spreading awareness and outrage, Gainer\u2019s tragic death has amplified conversations about the unique challenges and biases faced by Black autistic youth.<\/p>\n

Being a Black man on the spectrum, Denzel is intimately familiar with these disparities. Reflecting modern visibility, Denzel hopes his advocacy can help continue to change the tides. \u201cWe’re seeing people from diverse backgrounds and races being diagnosed on the spectrum more and more. It\u2019s making a difference for everyone. The public attitude shift is gradual, but it\u2019s good to start going in that direction.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Be your own character<\/h2>\n

With the crossroads of commencement quickly approaching, Denzel finds himself not at a loss for what his next steps may be but with the momentum and motivation to charge toward his goals.<\/p>\n

Continuing to uplift others, Denzel shares the insights he\u2019s gained as a student on the spectrum. \u201cIf you\u2019re feeling stressed, take a breather and give yourself a self-care moment,\u201d he suggests. \u201cIf you get stressed when you have a lot of work to do, it can feel like you can\u2019t breathe. When you\u2019re calm and relaxed, you can continue the work you\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Denzel further notes that remaining mindful looks different for everyone. \u201cI meditate in the morning to start my day,” he explains. “Art and poetry also put me in a calm, comfortable, and relaxed space that keeps me in the zone.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Above all else, Denzel encourages autism to be seen not as a weakness but as a strength. \u201cAutism has always been the difference-maker. When it comes to autism, don\u2019t see it as a dangerous thing. See it as a good thing,\u201d<\/strong> he offers. \u201cBe comfortable, confident, and be your own character. By being different, you can really make a change in this world.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n