Race ace finds a new life on track
A1 3 - Y E AR- OLD autistic boy who struggled to attend mainstream school and make new friends has had his “life changed” after he began karting.
Adam Parker, now 13, struggles with crowds and loud noises due to sensory processing issues, and was bullied when he started high school before moving to Rossendale School for special needs, in Ramsbottom.
His parents Maxine and Andrew, both 43, had tried multiple clubs and activities such as swimming, karate, and even Scouts, before they took
Adam, and his older brother Aaron, 17, to Rochdale Karting in February half-term two years ago.
Now, two years on, Adam has placed 11th in the National Karting Championship 2020, his first race, and will be racing in the Junior Saloon Car Championship 2021, after achieving his ARDS license, allowing him to use a real racing car.
He is also sponsored by Crown Oil, Bury, and has made a whole new group of friends in the racing community, including being coached by Matty Street, who also has autism.
Maxine said: “It was a half-term activity for him and his brother, and he really took to it.
“Not only did he enjoy it but he clearly had a skill.
“At the time Adam was struggling because he was being bullied at school and he was struggling with his mental health.
“We started taking him to a Saturday morning karting club. He met a group of boys, a lot of whom also have autism and ADHD and Adam clicked with them.
“About four months later we bought him an outdoor kart after talking to Matty Street.
“They’re very different to an indoor kart, a lot more speed - at first I think he was a bit overwhelmed but it didn’t take him long to become more confident.”
Dad Andrew and brother Aaron both maintain the car, and Aaron now wants to go into motorsport engineering.
Maxine, from Heywood, added: “We missed a few races because of covid.
“Adam did really well in his first race, and he will be back racing this year.
“He was diagnosed with autism when he was three and a half. When Adam races he’s in his own little world.
“It’s really changed his life - before that he really struggled. I would say this has kept him going through lockdown.”
Adam now plays racing games online with his new friends.