This guest post is by Jacob Thompson, a young man on the autism spectrum who attends Meridian Community College. Jacob is applying 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: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams, our nonprofit’s new book, was released on March 29, 2022, on Amazon here for our community to enjoy featuring the stories of 100 autistic adults.
Growing up on the autism spectrum is a journey unlike any other. If is a path marked by unique challenges, deep self-discovery, and moments of triumph that shape a person’s identity. For me, living with Asperger’s Syndrome-a form of autism-has been both a struggle and a gift. It has shaped how I see the world, how I connect with others, and how I navigate life’s complexities.
Early Years: The World Felt Different
As a child, I always knew I was different, even before I had the words to articulate why. While my peers seemed to navigate social situations with ease, I found myself stumbling over the nuances of conversation and interaction. Eye contact felt unnatural and overwhelming. Understanding sarcasm, jokes, and subtle social cues was like trying to decode a foreign language.
Sensory sensitivities also played a significant role. Loud noises, bright lights, and chaotic environments left me feeling overstimulated and anxious. Birthday parties, school assemblies, and even trips to the grocery store could be overwhelming. These experiences made me seek comfort in routines and quiet spaces, where I could feel safe and in control.
At the same time, I developed intense interests in specific topics. Whether it was a fascination with trains or astronomy these passions became my refuge. I could lose myself in hours of research or creation, finding solace in the predictability and depth.
Navigating School: A Double-Edged Sword
School was both a place of learning and one of my greatest challenges. Academically, I excelled in subjects that allowed for structured thinking and clear answers, such as math and science. I thrived on routine, and I found comfort in the predictability of classroom rules.
Socially, however, school was a battlefield. Making friends felt like an impossible task. I often misunderstood the intentions of my peers, and they in turn misunderstood me. My literal way of thinking sometimes led to awkward or unintentional comments, leaving me isolated. Group projects were particularly daunting, as they required a level of collaboration that I struggled to grasp.
Bullying was another harsh reality. Children can be cruel to those who are different, and I was no exception. My quirks and sensory sensitivities made me a target. Yet, these experiences, though painful, taught me resilience and the importance of self-advocacy.
Despite these struggles, there were bright spots. Teachers who recognized my potential and supported my learning style made a world of difference. Encouragement from compassionate adults gave me the confidence to persevere and embrace my strengths.
Adolescence: A Time of Self-Discovery
Adolescence brought a new set of challenges but also an opportunity for growth. The social expectations of teenage life became more complex, and the pressure to “fit in” intensified. At times, I felt as though I was performing in a play where everyone else had the script but I was left to improvise.
Despite this, adolescence also became a time of self-discovery. I began to understand more about autism and what it meant for me. Learning about Asperger’s Syndrome was like unlocking a door to self-awareness. It explained why I processed the world differently and gave me the language to articulate my experiences.
With this newfound understanding, I started to focus on my strengths. My ability to think outside the box became an asset. I began to see that being different wasn’t a weakness-it was a unique perspective that allowed me to approach challenges in innovative ways.
Triumphs and Growth
Adulthood brought opportunities to channel my unique abilities into meaningful achievements. Overcoming the barriers of communication and social interaction, I learned to build relationships and find communities that valued my perspective. While socializing never became entirely effortless, I discovered ways to navigate it on my terms, focusing on quality over quantity in my connections.
One of the greatest joys of my journey has been using my experiences to help others. Sharing my story, advocating for autism awareness, and supporting others on the spectrum have become passions. I’ve come to believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute and by fostering understanding, we create a more compassionate world.
Lessons Learned
Growing up on the autism spectrum has taught me countless lessons. Perhaps the most important is the value of self-acceptance. For years, I tried to mold myself into someone I wasn’t, believing that I needed to “fix” my differences to succeed. Over time, I’ve learned that authenticity is far more powerful than conformity. Embracing who I am-quirks, challenges, and all-has be liberating.
Another lesson is the importance of resilience. Life on the spectrum isn’t always easy, but the challenges I’ve faced have made me stronger and more determined. Each obstacle has taught me how to advocate for myself, and keep moving forward.
Finally, I’ve learned the power of community. Finding people who understand and accept me for who I am has been transformative. Whether it’s friends, family, or mentors, having a support system has made all the difference in my journey.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my journey, I see both the struggles and the triumphs as essential parts of who I am. Autism is not something I “overcame”; it’s an integral part of my identity. It shapes how I see the world, how I connect with others, and how I approach life’s challenges.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and advocating for a world where neurodiversity is celebrated. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to embrace their differences and see them as strengths. Together, we can build a future that values and uplifts all perspectives, creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
In the end growing up on the autism spectrum has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. It’s a journey I’m proud to have taken and one that continues to shape me everyday.
Follow my journey on Facebook, my Facebook Fan Page, Tiktok, Youtube & Instagram.
My name is Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum. I started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue post-secondary education. Help support me so I can continue to help students with autism go to college by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
Autistics on Autism: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams was released on March 29, 2022 on Amazon here for our community to enjoy featuring the stories of 100 autistic adults. 100% of the proceeds from this book will go back to our nonprofit to support initiatives like our autism scholarship program. In addition, this autistic adult’s essay you just read will be featured in a future volume of this book as we plan on making this into a series of books on autistic adults.
