Latrell Pruett is a 15-year-old boy with autism who is also a racing champion.

Latrell was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 years old. His developmental pediatrician told his parents that he would likely never have friends, never say “I love you,” and never live a "normal" life. The doctor told them to consider having another child and prepare for the prospect Latrell would live in an institution.

Latrell was non-verbal until he was 6 years old and still needs one-on-one support in school. Over the years, his parents have worked diligently with Latrell, always entering him in sports with non-disabled peers.

Nearly four years ago, Latrell began driving quarter midget race cars. Although many people mistake these for go karts, they are very different machines. These are complex race cars that take a much greater skill level to drive and to set up to be competitive.

Initially, some people had concerns about Latrell racing with "typical" kids and his parents were even chastised by his principal at the time. Latrell started racing at 11 years old. The majority of the kids start at age 5 so he had a lot of catching up to do.

Latrell had varying levels of success his first three years and was definitely in the top level of drivers each year. However, this year he took a giant leap. He drives two race cars in the largest region in the Quarter Midget Association, which covers Canada, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. The season is six months long with six race weekends, which are usually three days for each weekend. The championship is a culmination of points from each race weekend.

Latrell won the regional championship in one car and took third place in the second car. There are no other children with significant disabilities at the region level, and as far as his parents know, no other person with autism has ever reached this level of success. Not only did Latrell win one championship and third in another, he was very dominant. He set seven track records along the way, some that had been held for more than eight years.

This type of racing is very complicated, requiring many hours of practice and mechanical work each race. Many, many people have stated that he is one of the most talented race car drivers they have ever seen at this level.

In addition to region races, Latrell has raced several exhibition races, club races, shootouts, and driven at the national championships three times.

Latrell’s dad Ethan is an experienced advocate for his son. He has been involved with Washington Autism Alliance and Advocacy for many years and has testified with WAAA founder Arzu Forough in front of the House and Senate about the need for health coverage for autism.

Ethan was also on the board of directors with Wyatt Holliday Foundation. He has extensive history in advocating, and has been a part of 11 due process cases, arguing two of them.

Ethan thinks Latrell has a bright future, and acknowledges there are challenges ahead. They are hoping to fade his one-on-one paraeducator at school this year, and that Latrell will get his driver’s license next year.

“My advice is to never give up, to fight when you must, always expect a level of progress from your child that seems out of reach, never get down on yourself, and you must believe.”

Latrell is also the lead singer of a rock band. Check out his band playing Iron Man on YouTube http://youtu.be/KNK4T1-M6GE

Wow, look at all of these trophies for Latrell's 1st, 2nd or 3rd place finishes.