KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — A North Carolina mother wants to erase any preconceived ideas of what autism is, as it doesn't look the same for everyone. Her young son is diagnosed with what's called high-functioning autism. 


What You Need To Know

  • Carter Puckett is 8 years old

  • Puckett was diagnosed with high-functioning autism three years ago

  • The boy's mom, Heather Puckett, say autism is different for everyone

Carter Puckett, is 8 years old and loves NASCAR.

"The first NASCAR I got was Ryan Blaney," Puckett said.

His love for the race started three years ago after a relative gave him a NASCAR Hot Wheels toy. Puckett’s joy for it comes from everyone getting a chance to come in first place.

"Because they race, and they have wrecks, if the leader comes out and crashes, then someone else will get the lead," Puckett said.

Puckett is your average kid but has different needs. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. His mom, Heather Puckett, says they’ve learned a lot since then.

"This year, like I said, has been much, much better. He has a schedule, he knows his schedule, and the teachers even know if you change his schedule, he’s going to struggle," Heather Puckett said.

She says getting a diagnosis right at the start of COVID-19 was especially unpredictable.

"Diagnosed and getting him seen initially was a waiting game. You get plugged in, there’s so many limited doctors that specialize in those conditions,” Puckett said.

Before, she and her husband didn’t understand their son’s behavioral issues and didn’t know how to help him. But now, he’s in therapy and learning to express himself.

"He can tell us what's wrong — 'I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m sad, you're making me mad.' Whereas before, it was like a flight or fight, and he would just push back, and we had no idea what was going on," Puckett said.

Now, she wants to reduce the stigma around autism, saying even she used to believe the stereotypes.

"Children who aren’t able to talk would lash out, just learning disabilities and just had struggles," Puckett said.

Autism is different for every person. Puckett says that’s one little thing she wants others to know about her son. 

"Just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s just different, and he needs to be included, and children with autism need to be included all the time honestly, there's not a reason for them not to be," Puckett said.