This guest post is by Andres Castillo, a college student and autistic self-advocate currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Theatre. He 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 in a military family meant constant transitions. My stepfather served in the United States Army for 22 years, and military life shaped my upbringing in ways that most people never experience. Structure, discipline, and adaptability were part of my daily life, and as an autistic child diagnosed at age two and a half, those routines were both a comfort and a challenge.
I was nonverbal until age four and required speech therapy before I even began preschool. Education was never straightforward for me. Standardized testing, placement exams, and writing assessments were recurring obstacles throughout my academic life. Despite accommodations, my early scores often suggested limitations that did not reflect my actual abilities. What those numbers did not show was persistence.
Over the past decade, I have attended multiple colleges, transferred credits across institutions, and continuously worked to improve my academic performance. While early placement tests placed me in learning support courses, I gradually advanced to college-level coursework and improved my grades. At Valencia College, I earned placement on the Dean’s List for four semesters and completed an Associate of Arts degree focused on Journalism and Theatre.
My academic journey continued at Fayetteville State University and later at the University of Central Florida, where I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Theatre. Though the path has been long and at times discouraging, it has also been proof that growth does not follow a single timeline.
One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming a published author. My book, My Life Journey with Autism as a Military Child, reflects not only my experiences growing up autistic but also the realities of navigating identity, education, and self-advocacy within a military family. Sharing my story publicly has helped me find my voice and connect with others who see themselves in similar experiences.
Autism has shaped how I learn, communicate, and persist. It has taught me patience with myself and the value of advocating for the support I need. I am no longer just an Army brat. As my stepfather transitions into veteran life, I carry those experiences forward as I continue building my own future through education, storytelling, and advocacy.
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.
