This guest post is by Morgan, an autistic college student pursuing visual communications who hopes to use photography to support animals and protect wildlife. Morgan is applying for the Spring 2026 Making a Difference Autism Scholarship through KFM Making a Difference, the nonprofit founded by Kerry Magro. Kerry was nonspeaking until age 2.5 and was diagnosed with autism at 4.
Morgan is a pseudonym used at the applicant’s request. A stock photograph is used to protect their privacy.
Autistics on Autism: The Next Chapter shares stories from more than 100 autistic adults about what helped them while growing up and pursuing their dreams. All proceeds support KFM Making a Difference initiatives, including this scholarship program. To invite Kerry to speak at your school, company, or organization, submit an inquiry here.
My name is Morgan, and I was diagnosed with autism as a teenager. I hope my story can make others like me feel seen and heard, and help them know that they aren’t alone in their struggles.
High school was an incredibly challenging experience for me, marked by a series of complex and often overwhelming mental battles that left me feeling deeply isolated. Despite my struggles, it seemed like no one at school truly understood what I was going through or had the knowledge to provide the support I so desperately needed. My days were filled with anxiety that thrummed in the background, undermining my ability to focus on my studies and engage with my peers.
I made a mask. I pretended to be everything that everyone else wants. I pretended that I was fine. I laughed at jokes I didn’t understand. I did things I didn’t want to do to make others happy. I became someone I didn’t recognise. I wasn’t me. I was what everyone else wanted. I became someone who others thought belonged. I didn’t share my problems. I was perfect, on the outside. But behind closed doors, I broke. And after breaking, I realized my “friends” didn’t like me. They liked a version of me that didn’t exist. A version of me that would break herself to build them up. So I slowly started to remove my mask. And slowly began to love the real me. And the people who truly love me supported me. I have real friends who love me for the real me.
Recognizing the profound impact my mental state was having on my life, my mother took the brave step of seeking professional help for me. Our visit to the doctor was a pivotal moment; after a thorough evaluation consisting of discussions and various assessments, I was diagnosed with autism and began to better understand my needs. This formal acknowledgment of my struggles lit a spark of hope in me, leading me to believe that finally, I would get the support and accommodations I needed to navigate the challenges of school life.
However, the reality of my situation became painfully clear when I approached my school administration and teachers with this news. Instead of receiving the understanding and support I had hoped for, I often encountered skepticism and dismissal. Some teachers questioned what I was experiencing, suggesting that I was exaggerating or even faking my difficulties. This lack of validation was not just disheartening; it was harmful. The very allies I had hoped to find in my educators turned out to be obstacles that added to my already heavy burden.
As the months passed, the weight of my unaddressed mental health issues became increasingly overwhelming. It felt as if I were carrying an insurmountable load, one that brought me to the brink of a crisis. There were moments when I knew I needed more help and support. During this dark and tumultuous period, I often felt like I was fighting my battles alone. The isolation I faced felt palpable, and the absence of understanding from those around me intensified my suffering.
Now, reflecting on those experiences, I feel a strong desire to assist others on their journeys, just as I have been fortunate to receive support and guidance throughout my own life. I believe in the power of kindness, compassion, and the importance of giving back to the community that has helped me during my hardest moments. My experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for empathy, and I strive to share that understanding with others. I want to do that through volunteering my time, sharing insights from my own journey, or simply being a listener.
By Morgan
Featured image: stock photograph by Anton Sobotyak on Unsplash. It does not depict the applicant.
Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also autistic, founded KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help autistic students receive scholarship support for post-secondary education. Help us continue this work by making a tax-deductible donation here.
You can also invite Kerry to speak at your next event by submitting an inquiry here. Kerry speaks with schools, businesses, government agencies, colleges, nonprofits, parent groups, and conferences on autism, employment, college success, mental health, inclusion, and bullying prevention.
