By Krystle J Bailey
Don’t Give Up: The Stan Adams Jr. Story is a loving, heart-felt memoir written by Karyn Adams of Galloway, NJ. The 2022 book chronicles the journey of 22-year-old Stan Adams, who leads a full and abundant life while living with special needs.
Karyn first noticed that something wasn’t quite right with Stan at the age of two. It wasn’t until Stan turned 12 years old that he was officially diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS – a form of autism. Stan’s brother Stephon also lives with special needs, so Karyn has dedicated her life to providing her sons with the resources, tools, and support they need to live a full life. During his early years, prior to his diagnosis, Stan participated in karate, baseball, and other activities.
Five years ago, when Karyn discovered a water safety program offered by Faces 4 Autism, she couldn’t have anticipated that Stan was about to go on an exciting journey that would lead to standing ovations.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children with autism, so Karyn knew it was imperative that Stan learned to swim. What she didn’t know was the excitement that would follow.
After hearing about the program, Karyn immediately reached out to one of the coaches at Brigantine Aquatic Center. Stan and Stephon were approved for swimming lessons, and within six months, both of them were avid swimmers. Stan took a particular liking to the pool and swimming, which caught the attention of the Absegami Highschool Swim Team coach, Jim Winkler.
When Winkler approached Karyn about Stan joining the swim team, she was hesitant to say yes. She was concerned about how he would be treated by the other kids and how well he’d be able to keep up. With a deep belief in her son and some reassurance from the coach, Stan was soon an official swimmer on the Absegami swim team.
Stan began attending regular practices, making adjustments where necessary to accommodate his needs. On a fateful afternoon in January 2018, Stan took center stage at his first swim meet against Ocean City High School. His ADA therapists and counselors, along with his family, friends, and supporters gathered for Stan’s meet.
As he took to the water, the room erupted with applause and celebration. When he completed his race, Stan didn’t quite understand the enormity of what had just occurred. However, those in attendance knew this was a defining moment for Stan and other children living with autism.
The Brigantine Aquatic Center has since started a Special Olympics swimming program, “Stanley’s Special Friends Swim Team,” on which Stan served as the captain. Stan, along with his brother Stephon and the rest of the team, went on to compete at the Special Olympics on a state level.
Stan was nominated for the Community Leader Award through Faces 4 Autism as well as the Donald J Sykes Award and prom king at Absegami High School. Since Stan’s participation on the team, several more teenagers with special needs have joined the Absegami Swim Team.
Don’t Give Up tells these stories, including the trials and triumphs that Stan powered through regardless of the circumstances. Told by his mother, Karyn Adams, the story includes their struggle to find the right doctors, challenges through elementary school, and a list of resources for other parents of special needs children.
Stan’s life story is still unfolding, as he is now an adult working part-time. When he’s not working, you can find him still in the pool, playing golf, or at the gym with his brother, Stephon, and their trainer at W.O.L.F. Fitness in Brigantine.
Don’t Give Up: The Stan Adams Jr. Story can be found on Amazon.
