Kerry Magro
Kerry Magro was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) 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 6, 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 24 years old, he is a graduate student in Strategic Communications and Leadership at Seton Hall University. Along with being a full-time student, Kerry is also the co-host of Autism Radio: Hope Saves The Day, a life coach, motivational speaker, and writes a personal blog called My Autism My Voice, and an aspiring author.
Kerry has also become a tireless advocate for students with disabilities around the state and nationally. He has appeared on Emmy-winner Steve Adubato’s Caucus Education Show, “One-on-One with Steve Adubato,” writes a blog for Autism Speaks, has been published in the San Francisco Chronicle, and served as an advisor on the movie Joyful Noise starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton. Kerry recently met Senator Robert Menendez to discuss the reauthorization of The Combating Autism Act. For his efforts, last summer Kerry received the 2011 Outstanding Individual with Autism Award from the Autism Society of America.
In the coming months, Kerry hopes to complete his first book, based on his college experience. He is also in the process of launching a nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in The Community.
Note: Kerry's book was originally titled, “College on the Spectrum: A Guide to Surviving College with A Disability.” The title will be changed as it coincides with a trademarked entity.
It was about a week into my job at Autism Speaks when I realized how much you have to enjoy your work to do a full-time job. I am one of the lucky ones.
I had two big “firsts” this week. Monday morning was my first day at my first full time job at Autism Speaks.
Last week while I was scrolling through Facebook I noticed an opportunity to audition to be the host of “World News” for The Autism Channel, an up-and-coming organization to spread autism awareness.
“Kerry, what would you like to do when you grow up?” Oh how I loathe this question.
I have received several calls of late from parents responding to me finishing my coursework for my Master’s in Strategic Communication at Seton Hall in New Jersey.
This week was exceptional. On Monday the nonprofit I head up, KFM Making a Difference, announced the inaugural scholarship winner for our Making a Difference for Autism Scholarship.
Printer-friendly
Email this page
What do you get when you combine an intrepid public school teacher, a classroom of young autistic adults, and a vision of partnership and mutuality? Bittersweet Farms.
Between this column, my blog, and my series of children’s books, I have been able to produce a steady stream of written material.
The first I knew that Mickey’s school was holding a student art auction was from an email from Cindy, the school principal.
Being a single mom is tough. Being a single mom of a child with disabilities is… well, even suckier.
Yes, I do know my son is almost 27 years old and can handle many more things on his own than I give him credit for, but sometimes it is so hard to step back and let that happen.
I read a fascinating article this week: Jeff Howe’s CNN Money piece, “Paying for Finn: A Special-Needs Child.”
We have previewed and commented on the "How-To" videos below. Some of these are simple; others are fairly complex. Refer to these yourself, or use them with your adult child or student to help teach and generalize skills. Please note that some videos may contain skills which require support or training. You must determine which are appropriate for you, your adult child, or your student to use safely. Also note that as these videos come from other websites, they may contain pop-up ads. Click on an icon to see category index. Click here for full index.
Search the Autism After 16 website using the form above. You may alter your search settings on the search results page.
