This guest post is by Hayden Morhar, who was accepted into Woodbury University’s BFA in Game Development/Design program. Hayden is applying for the Spring 2026 Making a Difference Autism Scholarship through KFM Making a Difference, the nonprofit founded by Kerry Magro. Kerry was nonspeaking until age 2.5 and was diagnosed with autism at 4.
Autistics on Autism: The Next Chapter shares stories from more than 100 autistic adults about what helped them while growing up and pursuing their dreams. All proceeds support KFM Making a Difference initiatives, including this scholarship program. To invite Kerry to speak at your school, company, or organization, submit an inquiry here.
Hayden is a creative autistic student with a passion for video editing, animation, and game development. He volunteers at a therapeutic farm supporting children with special needs and helps with his family’s YouTube channel, TheCoasterViews. He is excited to attend college and study game development and design.
Life growing up as an autistic kid has certainly been a journey. My mom says I was meeting developmental milestones and learning both English and Spanish when I lost all my words around age three. My mother took me to many doctors, and I entered a program at UCLA where I learned to speak again. I also participated in many other programs, including therapeutic horseback riding, peer groups, music classes, Spectrum Laboratory, and DaniMation Entertainment. With help from many amazing people, including my family and teachers, I learned different skills and made friends.
My school education was not so easy, but I was lucky to have aides who helped me. I had several different aides over time, and their support made it easier for me to understand what I was learning and stay focused. My favorite subjects are math, engineering, and digital media. During my free time, I find motivation by visiting amusement parks around the world.
When I get frustrated or down on myself, I tell myself over and over to keep moving forward and that I am capable of accomplishing anything I set my mind to. Eventually, I believe it. Even with the difficult things life throws at me, I am brave and courageous.
I would tell other autistic people, especially kids, to be strong, not to be scared, and simply to be themselves. Most importantly, do not be ashamed of who you are. I believe my experience of being autistic and what I have accomplished so far can inspire other autistic people to advocate and speak up for themselves.
You matter, and no one else can push for all the resources you deserve to benefit from in life. I am very lucky to have a community that offers a lot of support and wants me to succeed. By continuing my education, I have a better chance of finding success in a career I am passionate about. I hope to inspire other autistic students to attend college so they can pursue independence and successful opportunities. Fear of striving toward these things can keep you from achieving your goals.
My words of encouragement to autistic kids are important. Positive words can inspire them to do whatever it takes to be an important part of society, where they do not feel judged or feel as though they only exist. Instead, they can be leaders. What is most important is for them to be themselves and show everyone they will overcome challenges.
My final words of encouragement are:
- Be true to yourself.
- Be positive.
- You are not alone.
- Advocate for yourself.
- Be amazing!
By Hayden Shae Morhar
Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also autistic, founded KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help autistic students receive scholarship support for post-secondary education. Help us continue this work by making a tax-deductible donation here.
You can also invite Kerry to speak at your next event by submitting an inquiry here. Kerry speaks with schools, businesses, government agencies, colleges, nonprofits, parent groups, and conferences on autism, employment, college success, mental health, inclusion, and bullying prevention.
