Empowering the lives of those with autism, one family at a time.

All people can be champions, those diagnosed with autism and those who support them.

**The Epitome of the Word, “Champion.”**

**Today’s Champions is an organization that strives to treat all people with dignity and respect, just like Bryan Clauson did, on and off the race track.**
Today’s Champions was created in honor of the friendship between Bryan Clauson and our son, Ben William Hodgin. Bryan was a renowned race car driver who just happened to be our son’s best friend. Their friendship was pure, genuine, and unique. They became friends through a love of sports in December of 2011 and it continued to blossom until we lost Bryan to a tragic racing accident on August 7, 2016.
Bryan had a tremendous impact on BW. BC could challenge him to do things that no one else could do. He treated BW like a peer, a buddy, a true friend – something we have struggled to find for 30 years. Since that day, our family has been committed to honoring BC each and every day.

RACERS FOR AUTISM

The first initiative for Today’s Champions was to honor Bryan by continuing his legacy and the event he started years ago at Chilli Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, OK. Bryan started Racers for Autism in hopes of spreading awareness about autism in his racing community. Fastforward to today, we’ve successfully held many Racers for Autism events in our community and we’re proud to continue the good that Bryan started. Stay tuned for more information about upcoming events.

Fun is Always an Option.

Today’s Champions’ goal is to partner with businesses involved in the sports and entertainment industries to provide sensory backpacks to individuals in social settings. These items de-escalate mood and sooth senses – eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and touch – so that an individual with autism can enjoy the event, just like everyone else.

Items include:
Sunglasses
Headphones / Ear Plugs
Stress Foam Cylinder
Fidget Tangler / Push Pop Game

Watching a professional football or basketball game? Taking a trip to the zoo or mall? Visiting the local bowling alley?

For Today’s Champions, it’s important that every kid can be a kid, that every fan can enjoy the game, that having fun is always an option, and that nothing gets in the way – not even a disability. BW’s Backpack Program provides sensory backpacks that include helpful objects that aid in relaxation and stress relief for individuals with autism.

Backpack Inquiry

It’s Only the Beginning.

In addition to BW’s Backpack Program, Today’s Champions has initiated planning for First Responder Autism Training and BC’s Buddy Program. While planning is underway, the launch of these programs is to be determined. Stay tuned!

First Responder Autism Training: From the perspective of someone with autism, there are moments that are confusing, hard to process, and difficult to understand. What happens when parents, family, or friends are not around to make sense of the confusion or de-escalate a situation? Today’s Champions’ goal is to provide specific autism training to first responders, security personnel, teachers, and other influential members in the community.

Hear Our Story

BC’s Buddy Program: This program will focus on encouraging friendships between individuals with autism and individuals who do not. Today’s Champions’ goal is to foster natural relationship growth, provide enjoyable encounters, and create true, genuine friendships without outside motives.