Woodland Park teen pushes through adversity by coming to terms with intellectual disability

By: Daniela Leon
Mar 26, 2018 08:57 AM
Original Article:  http://www.fox21news.com/…/woodland-park-teen-pu…/1074552671

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – When you first look at Samuel Faux, he looks just like any other teen except this teen is pushing through adversity by living with Apraxia of Speech.

“Basically between my brain and my muscles the message gets mixed up and so my brain has to trick the connection into doing it what it actually wants,” said Samuel.

However, his intellectual disability is not stopping him from giving up on his dreams. With the guidance of the Youth Documentary Academy, Samuel and other teens like him are able to produce short films and screen them to hundreds through the ARC Pikes Peak Region.

“People tend to not understand where I come from and so I created this film to show people why I do what I sometimes do when I speak, which is mess up,” said Samuel.

Samuel’s movie, Twice Exceptional, took an entire summer to film. It focuses on Samuel coming to terms with his disorder and highlighting constant family support.

“It’s amazing to see this child grow from this baby who had so many challenges and see him flourish,” said Samuel’s mom, Bonette.

Samuel says those challenges are far from over, but he’s ok with who he is and hopes others give people like him a chance.

“Don’t underestimate anyone, anyone can do anything if you give them the opportunity too,” said Samuel.

The next screening of Twice Exceptional will be shown at the City Auditorium in Colorado Springs on April 7th at 5 p.m.

The ARC is also looking at expanding their facilities to help folks just like Samuel. To donate, you can head to their website.