April is Autism Awareness Month
Award Winning and Breakthrough Advocate Kerry Magro knew early on that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. Kerry was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) a form of autism, at age 4. Growing up Kerry’s future was very uncertain.
Today however, after countless hours of therapy and the support of a loving family, Kerry has conquered many of his challenges. Now as an adult Kerry is a professional speaker, best-selling author, movie consultant and non-profit founder.
Professional Speaker
In 2011, Kerry won a scholarship for graduate school through the National Speakers Association which allowed him to become a national motivational speaker. Since that time he has spoken at over 600 events around the country in the past 9 years on disability related topics.
Read what he says
Here are some things we hope, as people with autism, that you knew…
10. We’re not all are math geniuses (i.e., “Rain Man”).
9. Not all people with autism are the same.
If you’ve met one individual with autism, you’ve met one individual with autism.
8. Don’t say things like
“You have autism? But you seem so normal!”
7. As much as you spread awareness for autism we also want you to also spread autism education.
We want to be accepted for who we are and not seen as a label.
6. Normal is really only a dryer setting.
Most of us are highly unique and that originality is a beautiful thing in our community that should be acknowledged.
5. People with autism are smart and talented.
It may not be noticeable all the time but all of our minds work in different and beautiful ways.
4. For those on the high functioning end of the spectrum, please don’t say things like
“I could never imagine you having autism.” Autism is a spectrum disorder.
3. Kids with autism will become adults with autism.
As much as we’d love to emphasis children on the news we want you to know that autism is a lifelong disorder and we don’t want to be forgotten when we become adults. We don’t grow out of autism.
2. If you see me in a public setting and see me rubbing my hands together, or leaning back and forth, please don’t look at me like something is wrong.
I ask for empathy in these situations as I feel more comfortable by doing these things.
1. Autism can’t define us.
We define autism. This is the truth for everyone on this planet actually. No one thing should be able to define us as people. We define ourselves. I’ve never wanted to be defined by a label. I want people more than anything to see me as Kerry.
So for April, just realize that people with autism are here for a purpose. We all are meant to shine in this world. I hope we are given the opportunities to progress and live the best lives possible.
Just like anyone else.
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References
Version Original, Kerry Magro
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