Episode 122: Move Together In Unity with Kerry Magro

This week features a very special back to back, two podcast episode release as Annette speaks with two guests who were interviewed for a recent Today Show Article called “Autism Wars.” Today’s episode features Annette’s interview with Kerry Magro, who is an award-winning national speaker, a best-selling author and a role model in the disability community.  Annette & Kerry speak about the “Autism Wars” article, disability in the workplace, bullying, unity and inclusion.

 

As a child, Kerry was non-verbal at 2.5 years and diagnosed with autism at age 4.  Kerry was not able to speak in complete sentences until age 7 and went through years of therapy to get where he is today.  Kerry has a doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership and is currently the CEO and founder of KFM Making a Difference which is a non-profit corporation that focuses on disability advocacy and housing.  

 

Autism Wars Article

 

While most people don’t like the “Autism Wars” title of the Today Show article, thinking “war” is too strong, Kerry does feel there has been a divide in the community for quite some time between parents of autistic children and autistic adults.  There are those on the autistic adult side that feel that parents of autistic children share too much and parents who feel that autistic adults don’t share enough to allow them information they feel they need.  There needs to be unity, inclusion – both sides working together rather than separate.  The article did have a positive note for Kerry that many parents reached out to him about finding advocates and building friendships between parents and autistic adults.

 

Social Media Sharing

 

Another portion of this autistic divide is on sharing on social media. Some autistic adults feel that some parents overshare videos and photos on social media of their autistic children, basing this on the child being too young to consent.  Sharing in smaller, local groups for educational purposes can be beneficial but sharing to Facebook in larger groups might not.  Kerry mentions there is toxicity in social media and sometimes it is best to think before you share anything especially if it may cross a privacy line.

 

Disabled in the Workplace

 

Kerry also speaks about the disabled in the workplace.  Statistics say that up to 90% of autistic adults are either unemployed or underemployed.  Kerry notes there should be a better onboarding process for disabled individuals possibly offer

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