This guest post is Tegan Stimac, a young woman on the autism spectrum who was accepted into University of Tulsa. Tegan 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.
My name is Tegan; I love all things art, music, and science. I am still figuring out who I am and what I want to be, but I’m enjoying the ride. Growing up on the autism spectrum has been an incredible journey. It’s been full of challenges, but also full of personal growth and lessons I never expected to learn. When I was younger, I didn’t fully understand what autism meant for me. It was just a word that was often used around me, but it didn’t really make sense until I got older. It wasn’t until school became harder, and life in general seemed more overwhelming, that I realized I was different from most of my peers. But over the years, I’ve learned to not only cope with these differences but to embrace them and even use them to my advantage.
One of the most significant struggles I’ve faced as someone on the autism spectrum has been the stereotypes. People have this tendency to assume that someone like me is incapable of doing normal things. I often felt like I was being compared to others and falling short. I’ve had people assume I couldn’t succeed in school, make friends, or hold down a job. But over time, I realized that these stereotypes weren’t true. Just because my brain works a little differently doesn’t mean I’m any less capable than anyone else.
I’ve learned to manage some of my challenges in ways that help me succeed in school and at work. Growing up, I had trouble focusing and staying organized, especially in class. I would get distracted easily, lose track of time, and sometimes I’d even forget to turn in assignments. It was frustrating, and it made school feel impossible at times. But I discovered that simple strategies, like using timers and making lists, could help me stay on track. I started breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks, which made everything feel less overwhelming. These strategies have made a huge difference in my academic success. Today, I’m a college student who’s able to manage my time well enough to balance my classes, work, and other commitments.
Working in customer service has also taught me a lot about myself and how to deal with my anxieties. I’ll admit that when I first started in this field, I was terrified. Talking to strangers, staying calm in stressful situations, and keeping up with the pace of the job was a huge challenge for me. There were days when I felt like quitting, like I couldn’t do it, but I kept going. I found ways to manage my stress, like taking deep breaths before talking to a customer or practicing what I was going to say in advance. Over time, I built up confidence and learned that it was okay to make mistakes as long as I learned from them. I’ve had the chance to help people and make their day a little better, and in doing so, I’ve also made myself feel proud of the work I’m doing.
Adapting to life with autism hasn’t always been easy, but the more I learned about myself, the more I figured out what works for me. It’s not about trying to be someone I’m not, but about figuring out the best way to use my strengths and work around my challenges. I used to think that I had to follow everyone else’s path, that I had to be like the “normal” kids, but I realized that my path is just as valuable as anyone else’s. I’ve developed my own systems and routines that help me feel more in control of my life. I don’t have to do everything on my own, and that’s something that took me a long time to accept.
Another way I’ve found success is by giving back to my community. Helping others has been a huge part of my personal growth. At first, I was so focused on my own struggles that I didn’t see how much better I could feel by serving others. When I started volunteering, I found that it gave me a sense of purpose and helped take the focus off of myself. I felt like I was contributing to something bigger than my own problems, and that made me feel connected to my community. I began volunteering at local shelters and food banks, helping with events, and even just spending time with people who needed a little extra support. The more I gave, the more I received in return. I learned that when I take the time to be thankful and help others, my own anxieties tend to fade. I can’t feel anxious and thankful at the same time, and giving back has helped me find peace in my life.
There’s something powerful about looking beyond yourself and focusing on the needs of others. It’s not always easy, especially when I feel overwhelmed, but it’s a reminder that there’s always something positive I can do, even when it feels like everything else is falling apart. Volunteering has been a source of strength for me. It’s given me a way to channel my energy into something productive, something that makes a difference.
Looking back on my journey, I can see how far I’ve come. There were many years when I doubted myself and struggled to find my place. But now, I see those challenges as stepping stones that led me to where I am today. Autism doesn’t define me, and ADHD doesn’t control me. I’ve learned that the key to success is finding what works for me, not what works for everyone else. I’ve found ways to manage my tendencies, I’ve embraced my uniqueness, and I’ve built a life where I can thrive.
I want others in the autism community to know that they don’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold to be successful. It’s okay to be different, and it’s okay to take your own path. You are capable of achieving whatever you set your mind to. Don’t let the stereotypes define you, and don’t let the challenges hold you back. You have everything you need within you to be successful.
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!
