This guest post is by Jeremy Camp, a young man on the autism spectrum who has been accepted into the University of Texas Dallas. Jeremy 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.
When I first started school, I went to a private school for kids that had autism like me plus kids with other more serious behavior disorders. I liked going there, but my parents didn’t think it was a good long-term solution for me. In 5th grade, I moved to the Plano school system and there were lot of obstacles to overcome. My reading was two years behind and the classes were harder and faster than what I was used to. The schools were huge and the kids were noisy and I could get upset by things that were unexpected – things like grades or a change of plans.
If you’re familiar with Plano schools, you know they’re big and unusually noisy, and I have always been somewhat sensitive to that. Screaming kids, whistles and bells were enough of a problem that the school would allow me to wear my headphones during the day to block out the noises, even though no one else in the school was allowed to wear them. I didn’t like how it made me feel, though, and one day I decided I didn’t want to stand out anymore. I made myself stop wearing those headphones and I guess I just eventually got used to typical school noises. Although I admit certain “uncommon” sounds still bother me (things like fire alarms, etc.), I think that’s the point with those things — to get you to notice. I now enjoy concerts and going to pep rallies, and I even joined JROTC, where I was part of the Air Rifle team (until they replaced it this year with a drone team.) One of my best memories last year was when I got to do the Color Guard for the pep rally. I know that would have never happened with those headphones on!
Although homework continued to be a source of stress for years, especially math, things started getting easier. I was less frustrated. Less confused, and I was even able to take two Dual credit English classes last year and made an A both of them. I was recognized as a National Merit Commended Student for my PSAT score. (I don’t think I made it any further, but I was glad to have qualified for the program given where I used to be reading.) I also found out recently that an essay I wrote on integrity last fall was picked to represent our school in a nationwide JROTC program. If my essay wins, I’ll get to go to Washington DC, so I’m really hoping I do!
I don’t feel “naturally” comfortable in most social settings; however, one thing I learned from Covid is I like being part of a group more than being alone. I may not always know the best way to communicate with people, and I don’t always understand what I’m being asked to do, but I’ve worked hard at being a good student and a good team member. I like to ask questions and do my part. Whether it’s in my classes, serving on a mission trip, or just volunteering in the community with my family, I like to feel like I’m making a difference. One of my favorite places to volunteer is ACEing Autism. I may not know a lot about tennis, and honestly may not be the best volunteer there, but I know what some of the kids are going through and like being able to encourage them to try new things. It helps me, too.
I feel like the best way for me to really push myself out of my comfort zone is to live on campus next year, even though I’m going to a school close to home. I’ll be honest when I say there’s part of me that likes the idea of living at home (probably because I know it’s safe and easy) but the whole point of college is to get ready for life on my own. I’m signed up to live in the Living Learning Community at UTD right now, and I hope having roommates and activities I can get involved in will help me with my people skills. I know I will need these skills if I want to pursue a career as an FBI agent or with some other federal agency.
I came to Plano schools as an introverted, headphone-wearing, explosive little kid who didn’t know what was going on. I don’t think anyone back then would have imagined me to be where I am right now. I am a member of the National Honor Society. I scored in the 100th percentile on the STAAR US History Exam. And I won an actual essay contest! I know it’s taken a lot of hard work and help from a lot of people to get me here, but I’m proud of all of the things that have made me who I am today.
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!
