Meet Jessica J.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and significant contributions of Hispanic communities across the United States. It’s also an opportunity to highlight the stories of individuals who embody a fearless spirit.

Syracuse resident Jessica J. found a renewed sense of purpose and belonging by joining Autism Speaks through the volunteer advocacy ambassador program in July 2021, in the midst of the pandemic. At a time when the world was grappling with uncertainty, Jessica was navigating her own journey of self-discovery, seeking crucial next steps in her life. By February 2022, she attended their first virtual autism forum and Hill Day, forging lasting friendships and connections that continue to shape her life today as a leading voice in the autistic community.

Joining Autism Speaks was more than just a decision for Jessica; it was a transformative experience that has profoundly impacted her life and proved to be a testament to the power of community and advocacy in the face of challenges. Today, she’s thriving in a career in The New York State Office of the Attorney General and is launching a podcast in October centered around hot button issues the autism and neurodivergent communities. 

Interested in advocating for policies and programs in support of the autistic community?  Get involved and join Autism Speaks’ Grassroots Advocacy Network!  

Learn more about Jessica’s journey as a fearless self-advocate in this Q&A:

As an autistic self-advocate in the Hispanic community, why is it important to advocate for you to make your voice heard?

As a woman of color, advocating to make my voice heard means not only advocating for myself but also on behalf of others who may not have the ability to speak for themselves. This isn’t just about me. This is about everyone in the neurodivergent community and those of BIPOC descent.

Do you see discrepancies in availability of services to those in the Hispanic community? If so, what do you feel could be done better in that regard? 

Adults and children in the Hispanic, Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color are absolutely being denied potentially life changing services in 2024. It has been like that for a long time. While we cannot completely erase or eradicate discrimination, ignorance, and prejudices out of our society, the only thing we can do is continue fighting tirelessly and never stopping. We must not allow ignorance to win!

What are you most proud of as a Hispanic autistic self-advocate?

I am most proud of my two earned bachelor’s degrees in Spanish language & literature and criminal justice and completing both degrees before the age of 30. I have indeed overcome a lot of hurdles, academically and professionally because I never gave up. My family has pushed me to keep going, regardless of how long it takes me to make it to the finish line. There is no room for quitting in life. 

I am also proud of landing my first professional job as an employee of the New York State Office of the Attorney General because of perseverance and significant support from my family and colleagues at Toastmasters and Autism Speaks.

When did you first understand what it meant to be autistic and how did that realization impact your life?

When I first learned of my autism diagnosis (Asperger’s Syndrome) I was 13. It made sense of why I was a lot different from my neurotypical peers and classmates and why I was treated as the “outcast.” I had many feelings of denial, shame and disappointment within myself and even started feeling like I would never amount enough to anyone. 

What type of services and supports have you received since being diagnosed?

Following my diagnosis, I was assigned a residential habilitation worker and a Medicaid coordinator to assist in working on my independence and making better life choices. I was also able to get Medicaid and Medicare to assist in any medical and dental expenses. Most recently, I started working with a job coach through ARC of Onondaga County (Syracuse, NY) to assist in improving in my daily job responsibilities.

How does your autism make you unique?

As Dr. Stephen Shore once said: “if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” This is absolutely true when it comes to my story because it’s my ambitious and passionate personality that makes me stand out from others. I think what really makes me stand out is, that I was able to go from a person who was in denial and trying to put on this front that “nothing is wrong with me,” to someone who is today an avid autistic self-advocate and is not ashamed to share my story with others and educate others.

What challenges have you faced with mental/physical health and how have you overcome those challenges?

It is no secret that my diagnosis of autism comes with multiple comorbidities including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, gastrointestinal issues and sleep issues. While I still struggle and live with many of these issues, I have learned to manage these conditions and take back control of my life by eating healthier, keeping my medical and therapy appointments, and staying on top of taking my medication daily.

What are some of your biggest strengths?

My biggest strengths would have to be my unique and critical attention to detail, creativity, and willingness to try and learn new things.

Find crucial coping strategies and therapies to help with your anxiety in this helpful blog post by other self-advocates.

Why is it important to you to open up about your story and share your diagnosis with the world?

I believe that it is important and crucial to share my story, surrounding my diagnosis, with the world. I feel like prejudice behaviors and lack of diversity, equity, inclusion, and acceptance and understanding are plaguing our society and damaging any chance for opportunities to those who are on the autism spectrum, especially people of color. People need to realize that we all bleed the same color of blood, regardless of what we look like on the outside. I made it my mission to tirelessly spread the word about autism and other neurodivergent and developmental differences. 

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice that I’ve ever received is, “be yourself because everyone else is taken.” But one piece of advice that I’ve given myself is not all attention is positive attention. You would want respect because attention is only temporary, and respect goes a longer way than attention.

What are a few of your goals for the future?

I am currently preparing for my Autism Certificate through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), which recognizes professionals dedicated to promoting quality care in the field of autism. I plan to pursue further training to become an even more qualified leader as a self-advocate in the community. I’m also in the process of producing my first podcast, “Meeting of the Minds,” which I plan on debuting first weekend in October and you’ll be able to find on YouTube and Vimeo. 

Find out about how to connect with a job coach and other employment services with our Employment Tool Kit.