The will of opportunity -- the path of autism to college | Kerry Magro | TEDxJerseyCity

In the next decade over 500,000 individuals will reach adulthood with autism. For many of those who are less severely affected with autism, a social and communication disorder, a post-secondary education will become a strong possibility. In this talk, you will hear from Kerry Magro a 26-year-old adult who was nonverbal at 2 and a half and diagnosed with autism at 4 who has just recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University and today is a national motivational speaker.
In Kerry’s talk he will discuss his experiences navigating education, creating a path both, to and through, college. This will include time management, managing independence, advocating for your needs and much more! Above all, Kerry will share how there is a great deal of potential for those with autism to thrive in college and give other examples of individuals who are doing it today.
Autism Self-Advocate Kerry Magro was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), a form of autism, at age 4. Growing up, he dealt with many difficulties in regards to sensory integration, motor problems, overall social interaction and communication delays. After being re-diagnosed at 5, Kerry’s future was very uncertain.
Now 26 years old, he has completed his Masters in Strategic Communications at Seton Hall University. Along with this Kerry is also a columnist for Autism after 16, a life coach, motivational speaker, and an aspiring writer.
In July 2013 Kerry released his first book, “Defining Autism from the Heart”. In 2012 he finished consulting on his first motion picture project in Joyful Noise, which made 30 million domestically and is now currently working on the indie-film “Jane Wants a Boyfriend.” He also recently founded a Non-Profit Organization focused on post secondary scholarships and advocacy for the disabled community.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@krystledenice]

This is truly amazing, I’m a mother with a son with autism he also was non verbal but until age 3 1/2. My son just graduated from high school currently in college he is on spectrum level. He experienced same people always asking “you sure he have autism” or “I had no ideal he had autism”. I can not stress parents your child can thrive getting them the help and support team is important my son was diagnosed at age 5. I’m truly blessed and I know I pushed my son and was truly supportive.

[@ModestMom2009]

I am so proud of you!! BRAVO!! My son, JonPaul, 6, has autism. He is getting help from Easter Seals and speech and OT. He is now saying his A,B,C's. Thank you for such an inspirational video!!! Bless you!

[@billwong6077]

I am an occupational therapist myself. I also have autism. But, a claim to fame in my career is that I am also the first 2-timer from that profession on this stage, just like Kerry. We all have unique strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes we might need some help of others to find out. Sometimes all we need are opportunities to prove ourselves... even if it might take longer to get to where we wanted.

[@RiSEScholarship]

Thanks for sharing your story and your success with the public. You are a wonderful representative and advocate for people with ASD as well as their families and peers to understand Autism a bit more. Many students on the ASD spectrum are choosing to go to college and thriving while there and in their professions, thanks for highlighting the need to accommodate them as they reach their dreams.

[@billwong6077]

There are many more in this category. Steven Shore recently did his. I have done a couple myself. My first one was on autism. My second one- I broke away from autism on purpose to advocate for us on the spectrum in another way. When people think about autism self advocates, many will think about that they will only speak about autism all day and what they believe in. However, my second talk breaks the mode in that I talked about my daily work as an occupational therapist in a work setting where I very rarely will see autistic individuals (both at work sites and as patients). Autistic self advocates are capable of a lot. Some of us are capable to discuss topics that society might not expect from us.

[@sow9619]

Thank you! You bring so much hope to me and my 2 year old who is more likely on the spectrum (awaiting official diagnosis). I have watched your videos a couple of time just to feel better and motivated to help my son to achieve everything he desires or deserves. Thanks again!

[@ALEXANDRAFINGER]

Really great, Kerry! Keep sharing this!

[@Monjagetitonya]

You are so correct... autism isn’t going anywhere! I’m a grandmother of possibly 4 grandsons, 1 diagnosed. It’s easy to see the signs when you are aware. I’m so excited to see how you have persevered and prospered. We push for our grandson also. Blessings!

[@jim6130]

Kerry, thank you for standing up for people who need a voice. How are things going today with your advocacy? My son will be transitioning into adulthood soon and I am looking for as many resources as possible to continue to be his advocate.

[@brandonheald9624]

Lucky you, getting diagnosed at 4. I'm realizing I'm on the spectrum at 27. Harder when you had to figure it all out yourself.

[@CancionNueva70]

Brandon Heald I’m so sorry that you have suffered through this and pray that you now have support. May Jesus bring healing to your life. I have 2 grandsons on the spectrum so understand many of the challenges. Keep reaching out and don’t give up.

[@Dancestar1981]

Brandon Heald I didn’t get diagnosed until 23 as an Aspie

[@Aiken47]

It’s a disability? An epidemic? It’s being diagnosed more due to better tools maybe. It’s the thing that keeps society moving forward, it’s not ego driven unlike NTs. I have a diagnosis app in 2weeks I’m 52. Scholarships, that’s awesome

[@darrenruben2981]

No behavior or misbehavior can be a disease

[@BryanRoparsPlasticChairWorld]

I have autism, I don't drive, and I'm on my way to making hundreds of dollars a day from home just doing my hobbies and posting videos of them online all while KZbin runs adds on them and fills my PayPal. I would never waste money on collage just find your niche I went to a technical school for electricity and could not be any farther away from my degree now that I found my niche.

[@BryanRoparsPlasticChairWorld]

I've been on national TV 4 times and in the local newspaper twice with my chair collection and projects.

[@fotografiacotidiana]

That's very cool, Bryan!!

[@rexthelegend3180]

Note: the reason autism speaks is so controversial is because the majority of autistic people struggle with simply communicating their ideas. So , for example, in my mind there are so many reasons autism speaks is bad. Autism itself is such a complicated issue and I’m only 16 but the fact that I know I’m autistic is so immensely stressful. This is because there is so much nuance to it. There is identity, behavior, environment, and coping mechanisms.

[@deniseroberts6405]

Please refer to a "closed" Facebook account, "Westlake Academy Charter School Corruption & Administrative Retaliation" which lists the City of Westlake's legal representative's PRIVATE email discussion between (1) the Texas Education Agency legal counsel representative and (2) the parent's special education law firm during administrative due process hearing for Child Find violation. The parent's lawyer sent the school lawyer's private email discussion to the parent in ERROR. The school lawyer's private email and other numerous email correspondent letters data shows CLEAR evidence for SPECIAL EDUCATION CORRUPTION and substantiated proof for federal and state violation in acts of CONSPIRACY to defraud a Federal funded program and the government

[@elizabethhurtado2829]

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