Autism, Adversity, and an Unstoppable Spirit

It’s a time to celebrate and embrace people and their experiences with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect communication and social interaction. Many families face unique challenges as they navigate life with autism, but there are also incredible stories of resilience and achievement.

One metro Atlanta boy with autism struggled with speech until he was 4 years old. Now he’s running a business and inspiring others. His journey is a testament to the power of determination and support, demonstrating that with the right tools and encouragement, children with autism can achieve great things.

Blake Richardson is like a lot of 7-year-old boys. His favorite thing in the world is Lego. In fact, Lego bricks are what inspired Blake to start his own business. Blake’s passion for building and creating has transformed into something much larger than just a hobby; it has become a platform for him to express himself and connect with others.

“It started with Legos! The whole brand and business started with Legos. He wanted more Lego sets, and I was like, ‘OK, I’m not buying you more Lego sets, so what are you going to do to get the Legos,’” his mom, Nicole Woods, said. This conversation sparked an entrepreneurial spirit in Blake that would guide him on his journey.

Initially, Blake found a creative way to fund his Lego obsession by selling drawings for Lego money. This simple yet ingenious idea soon evolved into something bigger as he decided to launch his own brand.

“Bleu stands for ‘Building love and embracing uniqueness.’ ‘Building love’ stands for making friends with new people and ‘embracing uniqueness’ means it’s OK to be different,” Richardson explained. His brand reflects not just his love for Lego but also his understanding of the importance of acceptance and friendship.

It’s a message that’s important to Blake. “We started Bleu because people were being mean to me because I didn’t sound like them. I didn’t sound like them because when I was 2 years old, I couldn’t speak. Now look at me! I help motivate people to follow their dreams and never, ever, ever give up!” he proudly proclaimed. His story illustrates that challenges can be overcome, and dreams can be realized with perseverance and hard work.

“Blake was nonverbal until he was about 4 and a half. All he was able to do was point and point and point, and he said a couple of words here and there,” Woods shared. The journey to finding his voice was not easy, and his mother played a crucial role in his development.

She worked hard with her son, ensuring he received the support he needed. He started speech therapy when he was just 2 years old. When COVID hit, Nicole stepped in as his teacher, working tirelessly to continue his progress at home.

“I was just like, it is not going to define who he is. And I wanted to do anything and everything to make sure that was what happened,” she said. Her determination and love have been instrumental in Blake’s success, helping him become the confident child he is today.

Now, Blake is the voice behind his brand Bleu, and while it helps him make money for his Lego sets, he says his message is what’s most important to him.

“Some people think they start a business for the money and fame. But I just do it to help people, because that’s my favorite thing to do. And I mean all of it from the heart,” he told Good Day’s Lindsay Tuman. His heartfelt mission goes beyond profit; it’s about uplifting others and spreading positivity.

“He just wants to make people realize that love is pretty much all you need,” Woods said, encapsulating the essence of Blake’s journey. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact that love, support, and determination can have in overcoming obstacles.