Hello, life after high school!

This week, I graduated from high school. It was a pretty cool moment, I must admit.  High schAaron graduationool as an autistic person is very different than it would have been for me if I was normal.  Instead of AP tests and extracurricular activities like music or sports, I am stuck in IEPs and a contained classroom. No offense meant to my teachers, but I was never really challenged at school.  I understand why it is hard to teach me at the level that I am capable of because I still have a hard time communicating what I know in the school setting.  It’s no-one’s fault. It’s just my reality. But now, I feel like my life is about to start for real.

There are so many things that I want to do, including going to college, going on a mission for my church, getting a job, and improving my writing skills so that I can be more independent.  I know that each of those goals will take some work but I also know that with God, anything is achievable.  Some day, I hope to be able to speak what I can write and finally be able to let others know that autistic people have so much to contribute to this world. We see the world through a different lens and that is ok. Everyone has been given different sets of talents and like it says in the Bible, God expects us to use and improve on what we have been given.  I know that I can do that much and am looking forward to challenging myself now to see what kind of progress that I can make.

About author

Aaron Jepson

I am a 21-year old male who was diagnosed with autism at age 3. I am only partially-verbal and have a very difficult time expressing my thoughts by mouth but I am able to type on an I-Pad. My goal in life is to help other people with disabilities, and to let the rest of the world know that most people with autism are intelligent and capable and can make a great contribution to this world. I am funny, athletic, and most of all, handsome. And I am a fast runner, a cool skier, and a sweet mountain biker.

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Comments(3)

  1. REPLY

    Melanie Walthall says

    I’m so excited for your next part of your life to begin. You are remarkable!

  2. REPLY

    Aunt Jo and Incle Greg says

    Congratulations on your graduation. So happy you have a great future with many opportunities in store. Best wishes!

  3. REPLY

    Shelby (Pierson) de la Cruz says

    Wow Aaron!! This was so incredible to read. You inspire me in so many ways. I’m grateful for your spirit and for being so confident in exactly who you are. I know you’ll achieve all you set out to do! Good luck and congratulations on your graduation!!

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