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Anyone who has been to a Grand View University athletics game has probably run across a student who stands out in the crowd. He stands out because of his confident manner and his volume. He often yells so loudly that the tiniest veins in his neck become visible through the skin.

Chris Evans, junior pre-music education major, dedicates almost every free minute to cheering on each sport at Grand View.

Some misinterpret Evans’ enthusiasm as out of the ordinary. They see him as weird, odd and eccentric. There is much more to Evans than meets the eye.

“I grew up in the small town of Earlham,” Evans said. “Growing up, I couldn’t really talk very well. I couldn’t speak my first word really until I was like 5 years old. My parents really didn’t know what was wrong with me at first. They didn’t know I had a disorder until I was about 4 years old. I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. I have a hard time communicating with others. A way I try to combat that is to speak with others and hang with others rather than hang out with the same group of people. “

Autism spectrum disorder affects communication and social interaction, behavior, interests, activites and patterns. The word spectrum reflects that it can affect a wide range of things and that it affects each person differently.

In high school, Evans participated in band, choir and also track and field. This showed him how important it was to have crowd support as an athlete or performer.

Evans knew college would be difficult. Grand View appealed to him because the campus felt right and because he was impressed by the music department. Once on campus, Evans soon found another passion: GV athletics.

Being the so-called, “super fan” is important to him. He sees it as his job to stimulate energy at the various games and matches. All sports are important — Evans attends pretty much any athletic event on campus. While the support is important for the athletes, Evans benefits too. Cheering is a means of combatting his ASD.

“I don’t think about my disorder when I am at the games,” Evans said. “I’m just there to support the team.”

ASD affects each individual differently. It is only natural that Evans would take on ASD in his own way.