If I had to make a list, this is what I would wish for the autism community based on my experiences as an adult on the autism spectrum.
1. I wish acceptance was easier to come by.
2. I wish loving one another was always on our minds.
3. I wish early diagnosis remains a high priority.
4. I wish people would stop calling autism a disease.
5. I wish that communication becomes easier for everyone with autism. Know that we’re trying.
6. I wish that we find more treatments to enhance the lives of people with autism.
7. I wish that insurance for autism will get passed in all 50 states.
8. I wish the government would understand the need for services for people with autism in schools.
9. I wish individuals with autism can one day live their lives independently.
10. I wish I was capable of helping more.
11. I wish people would stop using the words “socially awkward” and “retard” in a negative way.
12. I wish for more awareness for all with disabilities. Those of us living with a disability are doing our very best.
13. I wish for those who are on the spectrum and for those who love someone on the spectrum that you know we’re moving forward every single day.
14. I wish all of our voices could be heard.
15. I wish everyone will follow the words of one of my favorite performers of all time, Michael Jackson, who sang in his song “Man in the Mirror”: If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.
16. I wish you all knew me when I was 4, when I was diagnosed with autism. For a long time I was lost — scared of myself and what I was capable of. I never thought I would be where I am today… but I did it. I graduated from Seton Hall University this past May and will be going to graduate school for Strategic Communications in the fall to boot. So for my final wish:
17. I wish for you all to always live life with hope. I wish that your days are filled with hope for a better tomorrow. And for today, no matter how dark life gets sometimes, that you realize you’re never alone. I wish this for you…
I encourage everyone in the autism community to remember that we must come together as a true community to put our best foot forward. I know we all have a lot of wishes out there so let’s avoid distractions and focus on progress so we can all make a difference for our loved ones.
You can find this post on the SF Gate here and Autism Speaks official blog here.
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Kerry Magro is an award-winning professional speaker, best-selling author, autism advocate and consultant who is on the autism spectrum. A recent Masters graduate from Seton Hall University, he currently is CEO and Founder of KFM Making a Difference, a non-profit corporation focused on disability advocacy and housing. In 2012, Kerry consulted for the major motion picture “Joyful Noise” starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton. You can follow Kerry at www.kerrymagro.com, via Facebook at Facebook.com/Kerrymagro and/or on Twitter @Kerrymagro.
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