Autism Consultant for Netflix, HBO Shows to Speak in Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Kerry Magro, an award-winning autistic professional speaker, best-selling author and autism advocate, will deliver two presentations focused on autism, inclusion, advocacy and the importance of elevating autistic voices. The presentations will be hosted by the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley, in partnership with the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County, and will take place Oct. 8 at PLYMC's Main Library, 305 Wick Ave. A morning session, 'Autism Has No Look: Spotlight the Spectrum,' will take place at 10 a.m. and will be presented for area middle and high school students by invitation. The 45-minute presentation will encourage students to look beyond stereotypes and better understand the diversity of the autism spectrum. An evening session, 'From Nonspeaking to Netflix: One Man's Autism Journey to Professional Speaker and Love on the Spectrum U.S.,' will be held at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. The 60-minute presentation will share Magro's personal journey from being a nonspeaking child with autism to becoming a professional speaker, best-selling author and advocate whose work has reached audiences across the country. Magro will also have copies of his books available for purchase. Registration is required for the evening presentation, and seating will be limited. Register HERE. Magro was nonspeaking until age 2 ½, was diagnosed with autism at age 4 and did not speak in complete sentences until age 7. Today, he has spoken at more than 1,400 events, including two TEDx Talks and a Talks at Google presentation. He is a consultant for Netflix's Emmy Award-winning series 'Love on the Spectrum' and HBO's 'Mrs. Fletcher.' His work also includes serving as a writer for PBS Kids' 'Carl the Collector,' featuring the network's first autistic main character. 'Kerry's visit comes at a particularly meaningful time as October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month,' said Jodi Glass, executive director of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley. 'Kerry's journey from being nonspeaking to becoming a successful professional speaker, author and advocate is a powerful example of what is possible when people with disabilities are given opportunities, support and the chance to have their voices heard. We must continue to elevate autistic voices, challenge assumptions about autism and create greater opportunities for autistic individuals to live, work and participate fully in their communities.' Magro is CEO and president of KFM Making A Difference, a nonprofit organization that hosts inclusion events and has provided more than 150 scholarships for autistic students to attend college since 2011. The organization has also provided 27 small business grants to businesses that hire people with disabilities. 'We are proud to partner with the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley to bring Dr. Kerry Magro to our community,' said Erin Phemester, chief experience officer for the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County. 'Libraries are places where everyone should be able to see themselves represented, learn from different perspectives and have access to resources that reflect their experiences.' Magro is the author of several books, including 'Defining Autism From the Heart,' 'Autism and Falling in Love,' 'I Will Light It Up Blue,' 'Autistics on Autism,' 'Supporting Your Autism Journey: Award-Winning Autistic Adult Answers Your Burning Questions' and 'Santa Goes The Extra Mile for Children with Disabilities.'