‘LEGO Autism Jeep’ in Georgetown spreading awareness and encouraging acceptance
GEORGETOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – If you’ve spotted a brightly colored Jeep covered in LEGO-style designs around Georgetown, there’s a deeper message behind it.
Two friends, Susann Harden and Connie Barrett, say their “LEGO Autism Jeep” is meant to spark conversations and encourage understanding — even before Autism Awareness Month officially begins.
The Jeep may look playful at first glance, but its purpose runs much deeper.
Harden says the vehicle represents acceptance and a new perspective on autism.
“We built this jeep, because we want acceptance. we want conversation. We want people to realize when you look at this jeep, you might see a LEGO but someone who has autism or a family that’s been around autism they will see the puzzle pieces,” Harden said.
Barrett, whose son has autism, says awareness and resources were harder to find when her family first received a diagnosis. She hopes the Jeep helps others feel less alone and more informed about available support.
“So, to me, I wanted to do that. I wanted to let everyone know that there’s help out there. There’s resources, therapy and it’s very important for the child who has autism to do therapy. It helps, it really does,” Barrett said.
The pair regularly take the Jeep to parades and car shows, where they say people often stop to take photos and share their own experiences. They say those conversations are exactly what they hoped to inspire.
“They’ve always told me ‘Oh I’m so glad you brought the Jeep out,’ or, ‘I’m so glad that you came and you talked to us.’ One of the comments that we’ve had is there’s a lot of smiles, love and hope when they see this Jeep,” they said.
Harden and Barrett say their ultimate goal is to promote acceptance and reduce the fear some families feel when going out in public — whether that’s to a restaurant, movie theater, or playground.
If you spot the Jeep around town, they encourage people to connect with them through their Facebook page, Ariel Building Awareness.
