This guest post is by Emily Bailey, a young woman on the autism spectrum. Emily 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.
I was diagnosed with severe Autism at the age of 3, the doctors told my
parents I may never speak or be able to live on my own. Growing up with Autism
has put a lot of challenges in my life. I was non verbal until the age of 6. Attended
K4 in a self contained special ed classroom, then was able to be in a classroom
that offered inclusion until 4th grade, then went to a private montessori school
before transitioning back to a typical class for middle school and into High School.
I had extreme meltdowns due to sensory issues and not being able to
communicate when I was younger and I had a lot of social struggles. It was hard
for me to make friends because everyone thought I was the odd kid out which led
to being bullied a lot because of the differences I had compared to my peers.
In the seventh grade people would always comment on my body, call me
the weird kid, and start rumors about me, and rarely was I invited to any social
activities such as birthday parties or get-togethers. I was so unhappy I remember I
tried to commit suicide because I just felt so unlovable and that I didn’t belong
anywhere, but a little voice in my head told me not to do it. I am so thankful that I
listen to that voice in my head.
I remember in eighth grade when I was about to start high school. I was
scared for others to find out about my diagnoses because I didn’t want them to
judge me or treat me any differently. I didn’t want to go to High School because I
was scared that it was going to be just like middle school and I didn’t want to go
through what I went through in middle school. To my surprise, in High School, I
found more where I fit in. I started making so many new friends and became
involved in many different clubs and activities.
One thing during high school that really made an impact on me was being
selected to be a teacher aide in the special education program. This is where I
found my passion for helping others and made me see that I want to become an
Occupational Therapist and work with children with special needs. I feel like I have
a connection with them that is very different then most. I have been where they
are and can relate to them. I feel it has taught me some important lessons in life
and the friendships gained during that time is something I will cherish for the rest
of my life. I am beyond thankful for the amazing support of my friends and family
that helped me get where I am today.
During my time at Hillcrest I was on Varsity Softball, a Teacher Aide for the
Special Education Program, I was in Beta Club, I was in National Honors Society my
Junior Year, and a National Honors Society Officer my Senior Year . As well as being
a part of FCA, which led me to finding my passion for Jesus Christ and also getting
baptized in March 2024. High School has been the best time of my life. I have met
the best people that I am so grateful for and I have never been happier . Looking
back at my middle school self I would tell her that everything will be okay and you
will be happy one day. I feel like I am following God’s plan for my life by pursuing are
degree to help others with special needs.
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!
