This guest post is by Elie Land, a young adult who attends Michigan Technological University. They are an advocate for the Spring 2025 Making a Difference Autism Scholarship via the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference started by me, Kerry Magro. I was nonverbal till 2.5 and diagnosed with autism at 4 and you can read more about my organization here.
Autistics on Autism the Next Chapter: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams was released on Amazon on 3/25/25 and looks at the lives over 75 Autistic adults. 100% of the proceeds from this book will go back to supporting our nonprofits many initiatives, like this scholarship program. Check out the book here.
“Quit drawing.” “Use your words.” “Are you listening?” “Look at me!” These are all phrases I have been told throughout my life and even today. I sometimes did not know how to respond, and even now, there are times when I freeze up. Words don’t come easy to me. I think in pictures and prefer to draw my thoughts. If I could draw this essay, I would.
I grew up thinking that I would never be “normal” or fit into any group outside of my family. Many people didn’t understand why I was stressed out when expected to talk or why I would shut down when being in crowds of people. I was also afraid of change in my routine or a new situation. Being the “weirdo” was just how I was regarded by most of my peers, and I always struggled to fit into the social norms. During elementary school, I was diagnosed with ADHD; as a teen, I was diagnosed with what used to be called “high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.” However, those labels didn’t stop me from pursuing my passions and interests or finding a place to belong and feel included.
Nature is the place where I always could fit in. For as long as I can remember, I have had a deep connection and interest in experiencing and studying the natural world. It is much easier for me to converse with a grasshopper than a teacher or to look at a rattlesnake rather than a classmate. I would even prefer talking to a wolf than speaking to a boss. I ran away from challenges for a long time because I didn’t think anyone would understand me. And for a long time, I didn’t want to change.
I have come a long way in my communication skills and sometimes even enjoy holding conversations with others. However, this did not come from trying harder. I spent years working on my social skills with professional help and a lot of patience. I started this journey in 5th grade when I joined a “social thinking group.” Although it is sometimes challenging for me to speak up, I have learned some basic tools to help me become a “social detective” to better understand how people interact. In my classes, I also learned how to react in social situations and became aware of when to take a break and decompress from the stress of interacting. Understanding others’ and my own behaviors has helped me prevent shutdowns where I cannot talk.
While accepting change has always been a struggle, I now notice that everything around me constantly changes. Nature shows me that through all four seasons. While I cannot control change, I have learned to accept and adapt better.
In 2021, at the end of my first year at New Tech High School, the school closed just when I had found a place where I fit in. It was a near-devastating experience because the school was perfect for people like me. The classes were small; the teachers spoke to us as equals, did not try to change us because of our differences, and allowed us to explore topics of interest more deeply. There were no classroom bells to announce a class change. Playing chess or a board game with someone during lunch was considered the norm. In 2021, New Tech was integrated into a much larger public school with almost 2000 students crowding the halls between classes. It felt like a prison, to be honest. This was a game-changer for me in both positive and negative ways. It took me a long time to figure out my new surroundings. I found some familiarity and support because the New Tech high school teachers were merged into this new school. I still had several of them as my teachers, and I could make it through each day because of their support.
After graduating high school, I began studying my passion, Natural Resources and Conservation, with an emphasis on Ecological Restoration at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. This was also a significant change. Early in February of this year, Northland College announced its closure at the end of the school year. This news is saddening because I have grown so much in a small, nature-focused school with professors who care deeply for the environment and their students. However, like a migratory bird, I’m moving onward and northward to attend Michigan Technological University to complete my Bachelor of Science. I will major in Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences. I might even minor in Studio Art or Scientific Illustration.
Even though I have so much to learn, after 18 years, I have finally found words to share my passion with those around me. I have also learned many skills to navigate the world while honing my superpowers.
Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue a post-secondary education. Help us continue to help students with autism go to college by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
Also, consider having Kerry, one of the only professionally accredited speakers on the spectrum in the country, speak at your next event by sending him an inquiry here. If you have a referral for someone who many want him to speak please reach out as well! Kerry speaks with schools, businesses, government agencies, colleges, nonprofit organizations, parent groups and other special events on topics ranging from employment, how to succeed in college with a learning disability, internal communication, living with autism, bullying prevention, social media best practices, innovation, presentation best practices and much more!
