This guest post is by Luther Cohen, a young man on the autism spectrum who was accepted and into Lipscomb University. Aiden 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.
Hi there! My name is Luther Cohen. I am 19 years old and I’m from Franklin, Tennessee. I had a difficult but amazing journey that demonstrated my growth and skills for God.
In 2007, I started ILS. ILS stands for Integrated Listening System. I learned how to pay attention to certain things. This system helped me to stay calm and focused on the present. It has a Sensory and Motor Track, a Concentration and Attention Track, a Reading and Auditory Track, an Optimal Performance Track, and a Calming Track. The ILS headphones helped me to listen to them. I’m calmer and more attentive thanks to the ILS.
In 2009, I started neurofeedback with Dr. Shannon. She would put white jell and sensors on my head. As she did that, I would watch something fun. I learned how to watch shows and movies all the way through. That has been very helpful for me.
In 2017, I started my social skills group with Mrs. Tracie. I learned how to engage in conversations with some people. Tanner, Nicholas, William, and Rachel were there. We talked about different styles of communication. I started playing some board games with them. I’ve gotten used to playing games with other people. It was a lot of fun.
In 2019, before the pandemic, I participated in many youth events including Lads 2 Leaders. I’ve learned how to prepare for Bible questions so I can put in the right Bible answer. And you know what? God helped me through it all! I went to a hotel in Nashville, Tennessee and fellowshipped with Bro. Bryant and Bro. Daniels and the rest of my brothers and sisters from Franklin Road Church of Christ. Then, we had an awards ceremony. I got one of the highest scores on the Genesis test. I got 4 trophies for completing that, the Bible Bowl, and reading scripture. All glory be to God!
In 2021, right after the pandemic, I went to a high school called Benton Hall where I got more practice on making conversations with other people. I met 1 of them. His name is Logan. I learned how to talk to him. I even invited him to church once. Hey, we might have different races, but in Jesus we’re both the same. Pretty cool, right?
In October 2023, I got an assignment at Jackson Street Church of Christ to do prayer after Bro. Nix did the scripture reading. I felt like I was ready. God was helping me do it. I practiced my prayer every day. Then, when it was time, I did the prayer. It was for God’s glory and for my good. It was amazing!
In November 2023, the Jackson Street Youth went to camp. This was my first time going. We played some games and made snow globes. We had a talent show on Saturday and I participated in it. I taught a lesson about why we’re Church of Christ members. Then, we had worship service on Sunday. We learned how we can change if we turn to God. I did and I’m grateful for that.
In April 2024, I went to the Tennessee State Youth Conference and got the assignment to pray after Michael Dowell Jr. did 2 songs. I studied for the Matthew test. I even got to answer them on Kahoot. But I wasn’t alone. I had 2 Christian sisters backing me up. Their names are Alana and Syndey. We won the Kahoot round and got trophies for winning. It just goes to show, everyone wins when we work together.
Later in the summer of 2024, my family and I visited I-85 Church of Christ. I met all my friends there. There was Bro. Brown, Bro Roberts, Sis. Scurry, Bro. Bishop, Sis. Austin, Bro. Seawright, Sis. Bowens, Sis. Tykhea, Bro. Redmond, Bro. Austin and the preacher, Bro. Scurry. (Bro. and Sis. Davis weren’t there. So, I missed them.) But I’m glad I met everyone else! The young men led the service this time! How cool is that? I got the assignment of prayer and singing bass. I even assisted Bro. Scurry by reading the scriptures. It was a great experience.
In November 2024, the Jackson Street Youth went to another camp. We played some games and made supplies for the homeless. We had a talent show on Saturday. I didn’t participate in that one, but I watched it, and it was fun and hilarious at the same time. I got the assignment of doing the Lord’s Supper on Sunday. We talked about how God relates to the card game UNO. I have come to know Jesus and him crucified. How about you?
So, I’ve grown up pretty well on the autism spectrum. I’ve learned how to make conversations with other people, play games with them, and study the Word with them. God was with me the whole entire time. My spiritual journey with God has been challenging at times, but it was all worth it in the end. Thank God!
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!
