This is Autism - Video Series
This is Autism is a video series showcasing the stories of 12 autistic individuals in Pennsylvania. This series aims to elevate the voices of autistic people of all ages, genders, races and experiences.
Click the dropdowns below to take a look into the lives of our participants.
Jacob
Jacob is a school-aged boy living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He loves to play and tell jokes. Click here to watch his video: Jacob’s Story
Shawn
Shawn is a young adult living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He has a great sense of humor, loves talking to new people and enjoys working at Pizza Hut. Click here to watch his video: Shawn’s Story
Lincoln
Lincoln is a 3 year old little boy living in Latrobe, PA with his two siblings and parents. He craves sensory experiences, loves being active and is constantly growing and learning.
Click here to watch his video: Lincoln’s Story
Skylar
Skylar is a high school student at the Vista School in Hershey, PA. He loves helping out at the Harrisburg Senators stadium, visiting Hershey Park and cracking jokes with anyone he meets.
Click here to watch his video: Skylar’s Story
William
William is a laid-back and creative self-advocate living in Delaware County, PA. He enjoys painting, making digital designs, and sharing his story with other self-advocates through regular presentations and events.
Click here to watch his video: William’s Story
Hope
Hope is an 18-year-old with a quiet voice and a bold personality. She loves anime, video games, and expressing herself through characters and stories. Hope and her mom share her journey—from a late autism diagnosis to finding her voice and embracing who she is.
Click here to watch her video: Hope’s Story
Morgan
Morgan is a nurse, mom, and self-advocate who was diagnosed with autism later in life. Through supporting her daughter’s neurodivergent journey, Morgan began to better understand herself.
Click here to watch her video: Morgan’s Story
Brady
Brady is a joyful and energetic young boy who loves cars, swimming, and making people smile. In this episode, his family shares how embracing his autism diagnosis helped them better support his growth and celebrate everything that makes him unique.
Click here to watch his video: Brady’s Story
Nicholas
Nicholas is a joyful, creative young man who loves Sesame Street, bowling, and doing spot-on voice impressions. In this episode, his family and speech therapist share how Nicholas uses a combination of scripting, spoken words, and an AAC device to communicate, connect, and express who he is.
Click here to watch his video: Nicholas’ Story
Kendra
Kendra is a bold self-advocate who shares her journey with autism, resilience, and recovery. In this episode, she talks about unmasking, embracing honesty, and living by her favorite Bob Marley message: to lead with love and kindness.
*This video contains brief discussion about drug/alcohol use and self-harm.
Click here to watch her video: Kendra’s Video
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.