What I would like people to know about having autism and an invisible disability

By Kerry Magro

This guest post is by Kerry Magro, a professional speaker, best-selling author and autism entertainment consultant who is on the autism spectrum.

infographic showing that not all disabilities are seen

Has anyone ever said to you, "You have autism? But you look so normal!"

When I was diagnosed with autism at 4 my parents could never imagine someone coming up and saying this to me. Experts considered me on the severe end of the autism spectrum. I didn’t say my first word till I was 3 and it would take many years for me to truly find my voice. For a while, my parents were worried about what my future would look like. Therapies such as music, theater, occupational, physical and speech therapy played a big part in my development and now today I’ve overcome a lot of my challenges.

A problem I face though is that when people come up to me today and they see that I’m a professional speaker and author is that they think I don’t still deal with obstacles and challenges as someone on the autism spectrum. My challenges don’t show up, as easily on the surface now so people often think they aren’t there. What people don’t know is that I still struggle with transitions at times and with making friendships. I also feel overwhelmed at times with sensory challenges in places like airplanes where unexpected turbulence can make me uneasy because it’s something I can necessarily plan for.

Others tell me when I bring up the topic of invisible disabilities that, “You should be lucky to be so high-functioning.” Autism is a spectrum, don’t get me wrong and I feel truly blessed to have been able to progress. I know some will need more help then others in our community but we should try to help all those who need it.

For me I know I still need help at times and I hope that those who have an invisible disability like me won’t be brushed aside because our disabilities might not be visible.

This is something I hope we can educate our community on because it’s not only people with autism who face this but those with other disabilities like ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, among others.

As I tell everyone I meet; if I could have one wish for our community is that the word ‘progress’ becomes the mantra. Progress for every person with autism and person on this planet for that matter so they can live their best lives possible.

Autism Speaks does not provide medical or legal advice or services. Rather, Autism Speaks provides general information about autism as a service to the community. The information provided on our website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal or educational professionals. Autism Speaks has not validated and is not responsible for any information, events, or services provided by third parties. The views and opinions expressed in blogs on our website do not necessarily reflect the views of Autism Speaks.