YouTube Star Surfs to Raise Autism Awareness

Damian Ritcher

18-year-old Damian Richter is beyond the average teen. Richter is from Deerfield, Florida and is a surfer, actor, 2nd degree black belt, YouTuber, and advocate.

Richter. was diagnosed with autism at a very young age, but his parents did not let the diagnosis stop him. He began surfing with Surfers for Autism at the age of five. He gradually began to participate in surfing competitions and even the Special Olympics. The more he surfed, the more confidence he gained in himself. Richter. says that surfing has made a significant impact on his life because of the strength and friends he has gained through surfing. He also says that the activities that he does give him a sense of identity. He proudly proclaims, “I am a surfer”.

Ritcher and his customized surfboard

Richter uses his passion for surfing to spread awareness of the autism community. He does this by volunteering and teaching other kids with autism how to surf. He also wants to motivate other individuals with autism because just like him, they can break through barriers and accomplish great things. With his YouTube channel , Richter posts motivational stories and tips, which he titles “Motivational Minutes” to inspire others. He shows all that he has personally accomplished to show that others can do it too! He also uses his channel to spread education and awareness to the general public.

Richter believes that people generally tend to misjudge individuals with autism. Richter shared with me that “Everyone thinks that people with autism are the same but we are not.” He continued to share that he believes that society should “give them more opportunities to learn new things” because they are just as capable of doing great things.

Richter shared that In the past he had experienced bullying, expressing that “some people would say inappropriate things”. His classmates used to make fun of his challenges and he had nobody to stick up for him. Eventually, he told his mother and she helped but he says “I use my self defense from karate to get away from it.” The confidence and strength both karate and surfing gave him helped him get through the tough times.

Currently, Richter is a senior in high school and is getting ready for college. He wants to study movie production, acting, and motivational speaking. He also has hopes on growing his YouTube channel. He wants to be famous and shared “I want to become a YouTube star,” and with YouTube “I want to help inspire [people with autism] and to motivate them.”

The American Autism Association uses the #MyAutism slogan to promote that autism is different for each individual and because of that, each individual has their own definition of autism. Richter says “My autism is part of me but that doesn’t stop me from reaching my goals.” Richter owns his autism, and he uses it to inspire to others to do the very same.

Follow Damian on Instagram @surfing_waves_of_autism.

Check out Damian’s YouTube channel here.