ROCHESTER, Minn. – April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness of the neurological disorder and celebrate those who live with it.

According to the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 kids have autism.

One of these kids is 15-year-old Jacob Elegbede.

“From my perspective what autism is, is basically a disorder in the brain,” he said. “It’s hard to focus with ADHD and autism as well.”

While it can be hard to focus, it doesn’t stop Jacob. He plays sports, has a black belt in karate, participates in school clubs, is in his high school’s band, and is even his high school’s mascot.

With this long list, it’s clear Jacob likes to be involved, which has also helped him gain a good circle of friends.

“I have a lot of cool friends. They're nice, they support me really well,” he said.

Jacob also receives support from his family.

“Neurodiversity is not a bad thing. This is not a tragedy, this is just a difference,” Audrey Elegbede, Jacob’s mom, said.

“He’s just like any other kid…for me it’s been a blessing, Jacob has taught us a lot,” Wale Elegbede, Jacob’s father said.

Wale and Audrey said full inclusion of people with autism is important for a more accepting society.

“Our children grow up to be adults. So when we start thinking about what significant contributions individuals with autism can provide for the world as adults, it’s going to be pretty amazing,” Audrey said.

“They’re going to be some of our leaders,” Wale said.

When she first learned Jacob was autistic, Audrey said she didn’t know much about the diagnosis, and the uncertainty made her nervous. But now, she said she couldn’t imagine Jacob any other way and tells other parents who may get this diagnosis, it is a blessing.

“You will see the beauty in raising a child that’s a little different than you expected,” Audrey said.

“And you’re not alone,” Wale added.

On this World Autism Awareness Day, Jacob and his family encourage people to be fully accepting of differences and truly celebrate those with autism.

“Really know someone with autism. Because that allows us to see folks with autism as our friends, and our neighbors, and complete community members,” Audrey said.

“I wish people could be more inclusive with autism. Because some people think difference is not good. And some people are even excluding others from that purpose,” Jacob said.

Here is a list of resources in the community for autism:

SEMCIL

Rochester Center for Autism

RT Autism Awareness Foundation, Inc.

Minnesota Autism Center