This guest post is by Aaliyah Johnson, a Delaware high school senior and aspiring special education teacher. She is applying for the Spring 2026 Making a Difference Autism Scholarship via the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference started by me, Kerry Magro. I was nonspeaking 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. Would you like me to travel to speak with your school or company on autism and inclusion? You can contact me here for more details.
Growing up with autism and ADHD hasn’t always been easy, but it has taught me resilience, creativity, and how to see the world in my own unique way. I have faced challenges with asking for help, prioritizing my work, staying organized, and processing information. With the support of my teachers and family, I learned how to advocate for myself and keep going even when things felt overwhelming. These experiences shaped who I am today and are a big part of why I believe I deserve the KFM Making a Difference Autism Scholarship.
Throughout high school, I worked hard to turn my challenges into strengths. I became a member of the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society and helped lead my school’s marching band to a championship season. These accomplishments strengthened my confidence and helped solidify my dream of becoming a middle school special education teacher, someone who supports students who need extra understanding and encouragement.
During my senior year, I served as a teacher’s assistant for my former English teachers. This experience confirmed my desire to work with students who learn differently or need more time to understand lessons. Helping students feel heard and supported showed me how powerful patience and empathy can be. I wasn’t just helping academically; I was showing students that learning at their own pace is okay. Building those relationships made me realize how important representation and understanding are in education.
I want to teach middle school because that is often when students begin to struggle socially and academically. Many students with learning differences start to fall through the cracks during this stage. As a Black autistic student, I know how rare it is to see teachers who understand both disability and cultural identity. I want to be that teacher who supports students, advocates for them, and helps them believe in their potential.
Being autistic and a person of color has added another layer to my experience. Autism is often misunderstood, and when I share my diagnosis, I frequently hear, “You don’t look autistic.” My social challenges are sometimes misinterpreted instead of recognized as signs that I need support. I often feel pressure to mask my differences to avoid judgment, which can be exhausting.
My involvement with Autism Delaware has been incredibly meaningful. Through this community, I found acceptance, confidence, and other autistic girls who understand my experiences. My advocacy work was recognized when I received the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Micah’s Voice Award, which celebrates leadership and amplifying the voices of individuals with disabilities.
Despite the challenges I face, autism has shaped my strength and determination. I am proud of who I am. I plan to work hard in college, study abroad, and gain the skills needed to become a compassionate and inclusive educator. Receiving this scholarship would reduce the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus on achieving my goal of giving back to my community and supporting students who deserve to be understood.
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.
Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum, founded the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship support to pursue post-secondary education. You can help us continue supporting autistic students by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
You can also consider having Kerry speak at your next event by submitting an inquiry here. Kerry speaks with schools, businesses, government agencies, colleges, nonprofits, parent groups, and conferences on topics including autism, employment, college success, mental health, inclusion, and bullying prevention.
