4 days ago

Meet Tyler Leech, Founder of The Barefoot Autism Challenge

Tyler Leech’s Autism Journey

Tyler Leech is a barefoot runner from Des Moines Iowa. autistic. When he was diagnosed with autism at the University of Iowa at 22 months old, his family was unsure what the future held for him. It was not certain whether he would be able to drive, talk, graduate college, or many of the other things that neurotypical people take for granted.

He began barefooting in 2013 after a friend recommended it as a good sensory activity. Since then he has been barefoot running consistently, including joining a running group, doing 5ks, and running in varying temperatures. If the weather doesn’t allow for a barefoot run he will slip on on his Vibram Five-Finger running shoes, but prefers being truly barefoot as much as possible.

Autism and Barefooting

People with autism may experience different sensory experiences than others. Some are easy for everyone to understand, such as hating the squeaking of styrofoam, while other experiences may be less socially acceptable, such as sounds being too loud, foods having a disagreeable texture, the environment being too bright, words being interpreted wrong, or clothing being uncomfortable.

These individuals may also have challenges with proprioception, which is the neurological ability of the body to sense movement and position. This can lead to a limited body awareness, sensory seeking or avoiding, or feeling disconnected from their body.

For many people with autism, barefooting helps calm down their nerves and lessens their stress while feeling stimulated by the varying textures of the ground beneath their feet. As described by Tyler:

"I discovered at one point that people who are autistic prefer to be barefoot because it makes them more aware of their surroundings and calmer because of grounding and getting feedback from the earth. I tried barefooting in 2013 from a challenge put on by a shoe company and since then I haven’t passed down the opportunity to be barefoot. I love feeling the textures under my feet like grass, asphalt, mud, tile, you name it."

The Barefoot Autism Challenge

Tyler is the founder of the Barefoot Autism Challenge, which he began on Facebook in 2017. Every year during the month of April, which is Autism Awareness Month, participants post a picture or video of them walking barefoot and share what advocating for someone who’s autistic means to them using the hashtag #barefootautismchallenge.

While it originally started out as a way to get more activity in his barefoot running group, it quickly grew in popularity due to social media and support from the local community.

Meet Tyler Leech

Tyler spends much of his time advocating for education and acceptance. He shares the Barefoot Autism Challenge at autism conferences and events, and isn't afraid to converse with every day curious people or other barefooters. He took part in the USA Special Olympics in 2022 and served as a board member for the Iowa Society for Autism from 2017–2023. I got the chance to ask a few questions about his experience as an austistic person and a barefooter.

What is something you didn't think you would be able to do that you can?

As an autistic person I thought it would be hard for me to get a job. But with enough practice and doing other skills, I managed to have a job for nearly 10 years.

It sounds like your mom has been a big supporter in your journey. What advice do you have for caregivers of children with autism, or people who want to support their friends and family members?

My advice to caregivers of autistic kids is be sure to use all the resources you can. And connect with other autism organizations and ask them whatever questions you have because they’re there to help you out.

What is your favorite texture to walk on?

I like walking on grass, tile, sand, mud, and concrete

What is your favorite part of the Barefoot Autism Challenge?

My favorite part of the Barefoot Autism Challenge is that I get to be barefoot and have people understand the sensory aspect of autism. I even get to be barefoot at autism events.

What advice do you have for people who want to try barefooting but are scared to get into it, either because of the possibility of harming their feet or the possibility of being judged by others?

My advice to people who are nervous about barefooting is that if being barefoot is something you like to do, don’t let others discourage you. Some people might ask if you need help or if something is wrong, but just tell them that you just don’t like wearing shoes. Also when you’re barefoot you are more aware of your surroundings so you walk slower and you don’t get as many injuries as you think.