Boy With Autism Grows Up And Authors Books For Children With The Same Condition

Dec 25, 2019 by apost team

It can often be inspiring to cheer for the underdog. The following young man embodies this take-charge mindset in the face of staggering odds.

Growing up with autism, the now-award-winning advocate Kerry Magro made his own path. He often felt isolated as a child because he lacked models with autism, but he did not allow that to stop him.

At four years of age, Kerry Magro received news that would forever alter the trajectory of his life. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to the author's website. This condition made it difficult for him to tolerate noise and make friends with other children. Nonverbal until two and a half years old, doctors were certain that he would never graduate from high school, he told Today.

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Throughout the years, Kerry tackled his schoolwork with determination and self-discipline. After years of hard work, he finally earned his well-deserved high school diploma. In several more years, he proudly added a doctoral degree to his achievements.

Kerry could have enjoyed a professional position, higher salary, and other perks of his advanced education. Kerry, however, was apparently not one to rest on his own laurels.

The doctor made it his mission to provide young people with the kind of role models that would have made all the difference in his self-concept and confidence in his own abilities. After carefully searching through current media, he learned of Julia, Sesame Street’s first autistic character. Encouraged, he got to work on his own creation.

The result was, “I Will Light It Up Blue.” In this book, Kerry tells the story of Doug and Emma, who are twins living with autism spectrum disorder. Emma is nonverbal and communicates using an iPad. Doug, on the other hand, is much higher-functioning, he continued in the interview with Today. 

Kerry included a female character with the goal of helping others recognize the characteristics of girls with autism spectrum disorders.

Do you know anyone with this kind of true grit? Perhaps you have overcome the odds to achieve great things. Taking a few moments to encourage others in our community here or through other social media outlets may boost your spirits and strengthen your resolve.