This guest post is by Anthony who was accepted into Dominican University. Anthony 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.
Life has been a rollercoaster. There have been incredible highs and difficult lows. At times, I have felt like I was being pulled underwater — but I have always found a way to rise back to the surface. The journey I am on, and will always be on, is my journey with autism.
It began on January 6, 2010 — the day I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Some people call it “Diagnosis Day.” To me, it was just a Tuesday. I was still me. I was a toddler who could not talk, respond to my name, or ask for help. I did not know how to play or communicate my needs.
Thankfully, my parents recognized early that something was different. I began receiving early intervention services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA. At one point, I was receiving 40 hours of therapy each week. My schedule was full. While other kids had playdates, I was working on learning how to communicate and understand the world around me.
When I turned three, early intervention ended and school became my new environment. Along with learning my ABCs and numbers, I was learning how to speak, how to behave appropriately, and how to set and reach goals. I did not speak until I was four years old. Everything felt delayed — speech, learning, confidence. But one day, things began to click.
I had a teacher who showed me that I mattered. She helped me understand that I could learn just like anyone else. That belief changed everything. I set a goal for myself: I wanted to enter general education.
When I finally transitioned, it was not easy. I was bullied. I struggled to advocate for myself. I was anxious and often felt overwhelmed. Schoolwork does not come easily to me. I have to study harder than many of my peers just to fully understand the material. There are days when I feel like I am drowning in assignments.
During my freshman year, I created a motto that still guides me today:
One day at a time. One class at a time. One assignment at a time. One question at a time.
That mindset has carried me forward.
I am fortunate to have an incredible support system that encouraged me to keep going. When it came time to choose a college, I felt overwhelmed again. I needed a place where I could be the best version of myself. I found that place at Dominican University New York. The smaller campus and class sizes will allow me to thrive as I pursue my dream of becoming a history teacher through their 4+1 Master’s program.
Growing up, my parents were told I might never do many of the things I have now accomplished. Yet here I am. I sit in general education classrooms. I travel. I drive. I have built friendships. I earned my driver’s license, which gave me the freedom to explore the world — one road at a time.
Autism is not something that needs to be cured. It is part of who I am. Yes, I will always face challenges. But I now have the tools, foundation, and resilience to navigate them.
Autistic individuals are capable of living full and meaningful lives. There is no limit to what we can achieve.
I am proud of how far I have come.
Anthony is who I am. Autism is a part of me — but it does not define my limits.
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.
