This guest post is by Ashton Morris who was accepted into Navarro College. Ashton 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.
My name is Ashton Morris, and I will be graduating from Corsicana High School in 2026. When I was seven years old, I was officially diagnosed with Autism. Growing up, my parents noticed that I missed many developmental milestones and spent a lot of time visiting the pediatrician. Although Autism has presented challenges, it has also shaped who I am today.
One of my biggest struggles has been communication. I have difficulty making friends and often feel nervous when meeting new people. Processing conversations sometimes takes me longer than others, especially in group settings with people my own age. I feel more comfortable speaking with adults and often prefer individual activities. Most of my social interaction comes from my family, my friend Westyn, and connecting with others through online and VR games.
When I was younger, I attended daycare from six weeks old until age four. I was eventually asked to leave because of what was described as “violent behavior.” My parents later explained that I had my own way of communicating, and the daycare staff did not understand me. I had what my parents called a “safe bubble” around me and would use my hands and feet to signal when I needed space. After transferring to a smaller daycare with more experience supporting children with medical needs, my parents continued searching for answers.
In first grade, I underwent diagnostic testing and was initially identified as having a learning disability. Soon after, I became a patient at Children’s Health Center for Autism, where I completed multiple evaluations and received my Autism diagnosis. Along with Autism, I was diagnosed with ADHD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, OCD, and other related conditions. I participated in speech and occupational therapy both in school and at a specialist clinic. For several years, I also took medication to manage my symptoms.
Today, I am proud to say that I have grown tremendously. I am now a senior on the A/B honor roll and no longer require medication. I continue to use sensory tools when needed and have learned strategies to manage anxiety and focus. My specialist once called me a “success story,” and that meant a lot to me.
Another challenge I faced growing up involved extended family. I was often compared to my cousins in terms of developmental milestones and behavior. There were times I was treated differently, including being seated at the kids’ table while cousins my age sat with adults. These comparisons continued for years. Around age sixteen, my parents had an open conversation with our extended family about my Autism and struggles. For the first time, I felt heard and understood.
Autism affects the way I process information and interact socially, but it does not define my intelligence or limit my future. I learn differently, think creatively, and bring a unique perspective to everything I do. I am excited to attend Navarro College before transferring to the University of Texas at Dallas to pursue a degree in Animation and Games. My goal is to build a career that allows me to express creativity and connect with others through storytelling and design.
My journey has not been easy, but it has made me resilient. I am proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what comes next.
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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.
