This guest post is by James Thomason, a young man on the autism spectrum who was accepted into Bradley University. James 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 the Next Chapter: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams will be 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.
Navigating adolescence while on the autism spectrum and also having a learning disability presented a unique set of hurdles. While my parents were incredibly supportive in addressing my academic requirements, the intricate social landscape of school often felt like an overwhelming maze. Beyond the classroom, I needed additional guidance in forming meaningful friendships, understanding the nuances of mild depression, and effectively managing the grip of anxiety. Recognizing these needs, my parents, in consultation with my doctor, made the pivotal decision to enroll me in therapy at Mt. Washington Children’s Hospital. This therapeutic intervention proved to be a cornerstone in my development, providing me with essential tools and strategies to navigate these complex emotional and social terrains. Furthermore, the simple act of articulating my thoughts and ideas in class often felt like scaling a mountain, significantly hindering my active participation and engagement in discussions.
These demanding early experiences, though challenging, inadvertently forged within me a strong sense of resolve and an unwavering motivation to strive for success in my own way. The decision I made during my sophomore year of high school to join the wrestling team proved to be a profoundly influential catalyst in my personal development. The inherent discipline of the sport, coupled with the strong sense of camaraderie among my teammates, became pivotal in cultivating a newfound sense of self-assurance that had previously felt elusive. This burgeoning confidence wasn’t confined to the wrestling mat; it radiated outwards, encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new experiences, such as the exhilarating rush of ziplining and the thrilling drops of amusement park rides. Moreover, wrestling nurtured within me a genuine desire to support others. I found myself naturally gravitating towards assisting my teammates, offering encouragement and guidance, which in turn fostered stronger bonds and a more supportive and cohesive team environment.
My interests extend beyond the wrestling arena, encompassing a diverse range of activities including immersing myself in various genres of music, finding solace and invigoration in hiking through nature’s trails, experiencing the adrenaline rush of thrill rides, and maintaining physical well-being through regular workouts. Despite these varied interests, my passion for wrestling remains my central focus, the anchor that grounds me. Although my initial year on the team as a sophomore presented its own set of challenges and setbacks, my unwavering perseverance ultimately paved the way for an opportunity to wrestle at the collegiate level – a testament to the power of dedication and hard work. Wrestling has not only become my passion but has also served as a significant catalyst in boosting my overall confidence and self-esteem. My immediate goal is to find a college wrestling program close to home, allowing my family, who have been my steadfast support system, to continue being a presence at my matches. Looking towards the future, I aspire to transition into coaching after completing college. My particular interest lies in supporting young athletes, especially those who may also be navigating the complexities of autism and other disabilities, who might otherwise feel inclined to leave the sport due to these challenges. I sincerely hope to leverage my own personal experiences to help them navigate similar difficulties and, ultimately, to discover the same profound joy and sense of empowerment that I have found within the demanding yet rewarding world of wrestling.
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!
