Local woman's passion for autism sends her across world fighting for awareness

HOUSTON – In Stacy Badon's living room, childhood comes to life.

"This is theraputty. These are water beads and this is a water bead light," Badon said, describing a variety of toys and tools meant to help children on the autism spectrum.

"I love autism. It's sort of my passion," Badon said.

Badon works as a coach in the Houston area, helping children and their parents learn how to live with the disorder.

"I do autism coaching for families, where I go into the home and work with families and I do direct service with some students in the home," Badon told KPRC2.

In June, Badon will travel from Houston to Ghana, in Western Africa, volunteering with children there. She will be away for over 40 days.

"The program is a foundation called Multikids Inclusive Academy," Badon said. "They're trying to promote that kids with disabilities can be educated."

Spreading awareness about autism is mission Badon holds dear. Her work with children on the spectrum began nearly two decades ago, when she met a boy named Lamar.

"He's responsible for helping me be able to help all the other children after him," Badon said.

Starting with Lamar, Badon has worked with hundreds of children. She hopes that experience will help aid her on her mission to Ghana.

For the trip, Badon has stocked her living room with just about everything she will need to get to work.

Volunteers donated over $3,000 to help purchase what Badon hopes will bring about change.

"My goal is to get teachers trained, so, that the kids can demonstrate what they know and to get the families to have a little hope," she said.

Badon plans to blog about her experience. To learn more, visit her site.

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