LaRita Smith, LBSW
Parent Autism Advocate
Hello, Winners. Thanks for checking out my page!
Introduction
I am LaRita Smith, the proud mom of Kelvin Howard Smith, who was diagnosed at age 3 with Pervasive Developmental Disorder)- Not Otherwise Specified. This was given to Kelvin because it was determined that he had some but not all the characteristics of autism.
He was diagnosed at age 10 with Asperger's Syndrome. When the neuropsychologist sat both of us in his office and stated after completing a battery of tests that Kelvin is classic Asperger's, I looked at my son and said, “Everything is going to be OK.”
I looked at the doctor and said, “What now? I need all of the resources you have.” After leaving the office, we sat down in the car, and I said, “Son, we will not let this diagnosis beat us.” Mom will learn how to support you in every way from reading books, workshops, conferences, resources for social skills therapy, sharing with extended family members, focusing on his strengths, and embracing his differences. That is exactly what I have done for the last 20 years. I have truly been his advocate and continue to be. This is a lifetime commitment.
Lessons Learned
My son has taught me so much about life and he graduated in December 2022 with
his Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Georgia Tech.
His appearance on Jeopardy put him in the spotlight on television and online. He didn’t win
the game, but having the ability to reach 9 million people at one time and spread the
message of hope to families that have a child on the spectrum is priceless. Upon leaving
the set at Sony Pictures Studios in California, Kelvin couldn’t make it out of the door for so
many people thanking him for his message. The producers of the show and the contestants
gave Kelvin hugs and thanks for his participation. A little boy came up to my son, and his
mother asked if he could take a picture of Kelvin. The mother began crying because her son
is on the autism spectrum, and she was so full of emotion, seeing how excited her son was
at the show and how he looked up to Kelvin as a role model.
Kelvin is comfortable existing in life without the fanfare but giving service to others through
advocacy, being an example on the spectrum and WINNING, and making a difference in
others’ lives through teaching.
Every child and adult on the spectrum have been blessed with gifts. Remove the ribbon,
take the paper off, open the box, and find the treasure inside. It doesn’t matter where the
individual is on the spectrum; you can be high functioning, in the middle, or have a few more
challenges. Find the gift and focus on it.
KLSpeaks
I started KL Speaks because I know how overwhelming it can feel when you are trying to support a young person and you do not know where to turn next.
As a mother, advocate, educator, and community supporter, I have seen how many families carry important questions: How do I help my child become more independent? How do we prepare for college, work, adulthood, or life after high school? How do we make sure their voice is heard?
I believe every student deserves to be seen for more than a diagnosis, a challenge, a grade, or someone else’s expectations. Every young person has strengths, goals, gifts, and the right to take part in shaping their own future.
I also believe parents and caregivers should not have to figure everything out alone. Families deserve information they can understand, practical tools they can use, and encouragement that reminds them they are not failing just because the journey is difficult.
KL Speaks was created to help students, families, educators, and communities have honest conversations about transition, self-advocacy, academic success, inclusion, confidence, and opportunity. Our goal is not simply to talk about challenges. Our goal is to help people move forward with clearer next steps.
This work is especially meaningful because it is family-led. Building KL Speaks alongside my son has allowed us to bring together lived experience, fresh perspective, practical strategies, and a shared belief that people grow when they are given support, respect, and room to use their voice.
Whether you are a parent looking for guidance, a student preparing for what comes next, an educator seeking resources, or an organization looking for a speaker, we are glad you are here.
At KL Speaks, we believe that preparation creates confidence, advocacy creates opportunity, and every voice matters.
LaRita Smith LBSW
