As Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month wraps up and we head into May—Mental Health Awareness Month—it’s the perfect time to explore how these two important topics are deeply connected and deserving of more than a few weeks of recognition. These are conversations we should be having often—at home, in our communities, and especially in the workplace.
To dig deeper into what autism awareness truly means, we interviewed Sherry Kraft, Talent Acquisition Coordinator at High Profile, and her husband, Matt. Sherry and Matt are proud parents of two boys—Hayden, who is on the autism spectrum, and Preston, his equally amazing older brother. Their family’s journey has been filled with lessons in love, patience, and resilience, and it’s opened their eyes to the small yet powerful ways individuals and organizations can show up for families like theirs.
Respect First: Seeing Autism Through a Human Lens
When asked what they wish more people understood about raising a child with autism, the Krafts emphasized a key point: autistic individuals understand far more than many assume.
“Sometimes, people talk slower or more simply to those on the spectrum,” Matt shared. “But in reality, they can fully understand what you’re saying. They just have a different brain style and may struggle with recognizing social cues. We wish more people would treat them with the same level of respect as a neurotypical human being.”
Bringing Empathy to the Workplace
As someone working in talent acquisition, Sherry says her personal experiences as a parent have shaped how she interacts with candidates and colleagues.
“It’s made me even more inclusive,” she said. “It’s helped me meet people where they are. Everyone is carrying something you can’t always see, and empathy goes a long way.”
She’s also deeply grateful for the support she’s received from her High Profile coworkers and leadership. Flexibility and understanding have been game-changers—not just for her schedule, but for her peace of mind.
“People ask about Hayden, they care about him, and that means the world,” Sherry added. “Even simple things like talking to your kids about children with differences, or asking a caregiver what a child enjoys or needs—those things matter.”
Creating Inclusive Workplaces for All Families
Companies have a unique opportunity to support working parents of neurodiverse children, but it takes intention. The Krafts suggest that even small gestures can go a long way.
“Recognize that the mental load might be heavier,” Sherry explained. “Sometimes, a parent may need to step away if an incident occurs. Offering flexibility, showing interest in their child, or even just creating a welcoming environment where they can bring their child to work—these are huge.”
From Awareness to Action
Autism Awareness Month is a valuable time for education—but for the Krafts, it’s about much more than raising awareness.
“It’s a chance to help others understand the day-to-day challenges that families face,” they shared. “There’s still a lack of resources for many, and the world can feel daunting for our kiddos. We need more research, more inclusion, and more compassion.”
They also encourage flipping the narrative: instead of teaching autistic individuals to “fit in,” we should be encouraging neurotypical people to understand and adapt as well.
And when it comes to public misconceptions, Sherry and Matt want to point out: an autistic child’s meltdown is not the same as a tantrum. “A meltdown is a physiological response to sensory overload or distress,” Sherry explained. “Not a way to get attention. Seek to understand before you judge a parent.”
What You Can Do
Want to be an ally to families navigating autism? It starts with respect. Interact. Ask questions. Don’t judge. And if you can, offer respite—watching a child so parents can have a much-needed date night is a bigger gift than you may realize.
Lessons from Hayden
Throughout our conversation, one theme came through clearly: Hayden is deeply loved. He brings joy to his family with his passion for Mickey Mouse, swimming, travel and going to “Push Buttons” (or hotels) 😊, being outdoors, and anything involving numbers, letters, shapes, or colors.
“He reminds us to be thankful for the simple things,” they said. “A big smile. A good laugh. Patience. He’s taught us not to sweat the small stuff.”
The Most Rewarding Part
When asked about the most rewarding moments on this journey, the answer was immediate and heartfelt:
“The unconditional love,” Sherry and Matt shared. “No matter what’s going on in life, Hayden loves his people deeply. And that reminds us what really matters. That kind of love is a gift from God—and a beautiful trait many on the spectrum seem to share.”
Want to Learn More?
If you’re looking for ways to create a more inclusive workplace or want to better support employees who are parents of neurodiverse children, both Sherry and Matt Kraft are open to thoughtful conversations and sharing their insights.
💙 Connect with Sherry Kraft on LinkedIn
💙 Connect with Matt Kraft on LinkedIn
Let’s continue to promote autism awareness, understanding, and acceptance—not just in April, but all year long. Let’s keep learning, listening, and leading with compassion.
