Her daughter’s journey sparked a movement: SC State advisor champions autism understanding

Author: Sam Watson, Director of University Relations|Published: April 30, 2025|All News, Faculty & Staff News

autism walk photo — Arieyanna Johnson, center, with her family at the Autism Walk organized by her mother, Briana Parker. Photo courtesy of the Times & Democrat and correspondent Yon Line, Yon Line Photography.

Briana Parker rallied for Orangeburg’s first proclamation for Autism Acceptance Month.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – When it became clear to Briana Parker that her daughter experienced the world differently, she didn’t just learn to navigate a new reality — she set out to change it.

“My daughter, Arieyanna Johnson, was born with the perfect smile, the perfect size, and just the right weight,” Parker said. “From day one, she brought joy, light, and laughter into my life. Like any child, she played, giggled, and explored the world around her.

“But as she grew, I noticed some differences — she faced challenges with walking and talking,” Parker said.

What followed were countless doctor visits, evaluations, and hours of therapy —physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive. Arieyanna was identified as being on the autism spectrum. At first, there were questions, concerns, and fears.

Through it all, Parker came to a powerful realization.

"Arieyanna is not less than. She is not broken. She is beautifully, uniquely, and powerfully herself," Parker said. "She is awesome with autism."

proclamation photo — CCI Church Pastor Hayward Jean, Briana Parker and Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler with the Autism Month proclamation.

Parker, an academic advisor in South Carolina State University’s Office of First Year Experience, has become a force for autism advocacy in Orangeburg, bringing attention, understanding and action to a cause deeply rooted in her own life.
Motivated by her daughter’s journey -- Arieyanna is now 14 and thriving -- Parker organized Orangeburg’s first Autism Awareness Walk on April 5, 2025, and lobbied for the city's first Autism Awareness Proclamation, officially issued by Mayor Michael Butler. April is Autism Acceptance Month.

"I wanted Orangeburg to be a place where the autism community feels seen, supported, and uplifted. Where families like mine don’t feel alone," Parker said.

Parker’s advocacy pushes back against stereotypes and calls for a shift from awareness to deep acceptance.

"Autism doesn’t need a cure — it needs compassion. It needs community. It needs people who are willing to learn, listen, and love without conditions," she said.

Through her work, Parker hopes to show that awareness is only the first step.

"My love for my daughter turned into a fierce and unstoppable passion for advocacy," Parker said. "Awareness is the first step. Understanding is the next. And acceptance? That’s where true change lives."

Parker said her fight is far from over.

"This is my heart, this is my fight, and this is only the beginning," Parker said.