This guest post is by Jerry Stark, a young man who attends St. Norbert College. He is 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.
Growing up, I often found myself immersed in my own world, making repetitive lists and creating elaborate fantasy stories. These activities brought me joy, but they also made me feel different from those around me. There were times when this difference felt isolating, as though there was something wrong with me for not fitting in the way others did. When I was diagnosed with Asperger’s on February 14, 2016, it gave me a new understanding of myself. It was a name for the way my mind worked, a way to recognize both the challenges and strengths that shaped my life. It helped me realize that my differences weren’t flaws—they were simply unique aspects of who I was.
Social skills were difficult for me. While others seemed to instinctively understand conversations and interactions, I struggled to connect in the same way. I found it hard to read social cues, making interactions feel confusing or overwhelming. Small talk seemed pointless to me, while others found it effortless. I often felt as though I was standing on the outside looking in, trying to decipher the hidden rules of communication. Executive functioning was another obstacle—things like planning, organizing, and following through on tasks took a lot of effort. My mind worked in a way that prioritized certain thoughts while making others harder to manage, and this made school, daily routines, and even small tasks more challenging at times. I faced moments of frustration and self-doubt, questioning whether I would ever overcome these difficulties. But alongside these struggles, I discovered strengths that set me apart.
My ability to read and comprehend advanced material was far beyond my age level, and my vocabulary was impressive. Words and stories became my refuge, a place where I could explore ideas and connect with the world in a way that felt natural to me. I devoured books, soaking in knowledge and expanding my understanding of the world. My creative mind was another strength—I was able to build detailed fantasy worlds and craft intricate stories, something that others often admired. Though I sometimes felt disconnected in social situations, my mind was constantly alive with ideas and imagination.
Through all of this, my father was one of my biggest supporters. He recognized my potential and encouraged me to work on strengthening the areas where I struggled. He never made me feel like my differences were weaknesses—instead, he helped me find strategies to navigate the world more effectively. With his guidance, I worked on improving my executive functioning and developing better social skills. He reminded me that while I might face challenges, I also had unique abilities that made me who I was. My father taught me resilience, patience, and self-acceptance, helping me understand that every person’s journey is different, but all are valuable.
High school became a pivotal point in my journey. As a freshman, I saw my growth reflected in my grades. The hard work I had put into improving myself was paying off, and I began to believe in my own potential. My academic success was more than just a set of numbers on a report card—it was proof that I could overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. It was a moment of realization that I was stronger than I had once believed. My grades weren’t just symbols of intelligence; they reflected my ability to push past difficulties and rise above the challenges I faced.
Despite my progress, I never lost sight of the struggles I had overcome, and this made me passionate about inspiring others. I wanted people to understand that differences weren’t barriers—they could be strengths, if nurtured and understood. I refused to let society’s expectations define my future, and instead, I chose to create my own path.
Today, I strive to inspire others by taking on challenges that seem impossible. In the world of business, I want to prove that determination and resilience can lead to success, regardless of the obstacles one may face. My dream is to run my own business, to create something that reflects my vision and ambition. I want to show others—especially those who feel different or excluded—that their unique strengths matter. Differences don’t have to be limitations. They can be the very qualities that set a person apart and lead them to greatness. I believe that embracing one’s individuality and focusing on personal growth can turn perceived weaknesses into powerful assets.
As I continue my journey, I hope my story will serve as a reminder that growth is possible, even in the face of challenges. No path is entirely smooth, but each step forward is an achievement worth celebrating. My experiences with Asperger’s have shaped me, but they do not define me entirely. Instead, they are part of the story that has made me who I am—someone who refuses to let obstacles stand in the way of my dreams. I will keep pushing forward, inspiring others as I go, and proving that even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
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!
