This guest post is by Olivia Thompson who was accepted into Fairmont State University. Olivia 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.
Working toward independence has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey as a young autistic adult.
Growing up with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, one of my greatest challenges was speaking to other people. I was shy and often overwhelmed in social situations. Conversations did not come naturally to me, and high-pressure environments made it even harder to focus and express myself. Over time, however, I began to understand that growth does not happen all at once. It happens step by step.
Finding my first job was one of those steps.
The job search process felt complicated, especially because I chose not to immediately disclose my autism or ADHD. I wanted employers to first see my strengths: my attention to detail, creativity, organization, and reliability. In my 11th-grade Career Exploration class, I learned how to present myself professionally. That class gave me the confidence to build a resume and cover letter that reflected my abilities instead of my diagnoses.
Still, the interview process was intimidating. My prospective employer, Crossmark, conducts “hire on the spot” interviews and requires extensive documentation. My mom helped me organize everything into a notebook, including my work permit, tax forms, and identification. That organization became a lifesaver.
When I arrived at Sam’s Club for the interview, I had to check in at the Member Desk and call the Crossmark office to confirm my arrival. After waiting 25 minutes, I learned the hiring manager was not there that day. Instead, I completed the interview over the phone from her office.
Even though the interview was brief, my anxiety was high. I used deep breathing techniques and practiced responses in my head, just as I had prepared. I was hired on the spot. My organized notebook allowed me to complete employment paperwork immediately and efficiently.
That moment was more than just getting a job. It was proof that preparation and support systems work.
Today, I continue working part-time as a product demonstrator at Sam’s Club during school breaks and summer vacation from Fairmont State University. The job may seem simple, but it has helped me develop structure, responsibility, and confidence. I set up displays, engage customers, clean up stations, and submit reports. These tasks require focus and communication skills that once felt overwhelming.
Interviewing is still hard. Online paperwork can still feel stressful. But I am improving. Each shift builds confidence. Each interaction strengthens my communication skills.
Support has played an essential role in my success. I meet with a counselor weekly to manage stress and anxiety. Some of my teachers have even visited me at work, which means a great deal to me. I often see familiar faces from school, church, dance, and my sister’s marble club. Sometimes people recognize me. Sometimes they don’t. Either way, I am learning that I belong in these spaces.
Now, as a freshman at Fairmont State University studying Communications, I am continuing to build independence. My first semester required determination and hard work. College-level coursework is challenging, and executive functioning can be difficult for me. My family invests in specialized academic support services to help me stay organized and manage assignments. With that support and my own effort, I earned a 3.41 GPA in my first term.
That GPA represents more than grades. It represents perseverance.
College is teaching me how to manage responsibilities, live more independently, and prepare for meaningful employment. I hope to eventually minor in theater or dance because those activities give me confidence and a sense of belonging.
In the future, I want to support other neurodivergent students. I understand how isolating college and employment can feel. I would love to help build peer support opportunities that promote inclusion, leadership, and connection. Neurodiverse individuals bring valuable perspectives to workplaces and communities. When we are supported, we thrive.
My journey is not defined by perfection. It is defined by progress.
Each interview, each class, and each work shift helps me grow into a more confident, capable adult. With the right supports and continued determination, I know I can build a meaningful future — and help others do the same.
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.
