A MESSAGE FROM Emily Grace's Eagles Autism Challenge Fundraising Page!
Hi everyone! My name is Emily Grace. While I attended a preschool and elementary school where Autistic students were integrated into general education classrooms, no one caught that I was Autistic myself until I was a senior in high school. I remember having a very happy childhood, but I will admit that there were a lot of times that I felt confused and sensory input could be hard. I could've benefited from some professional guidance, but I would never give up the beautiful way I see the world.
I've worked with Autistic children and I'm now a research intern at CHOP's Center for Autism Research, where I feel like I'm making a real difference. I recently graduated with my bachelor's degree and I'm now working on my master's. Getting the help I needed made me much more confident in myself and I feel more comfortable in a wider variety of situations.
At CHOP, I am accommodated, respected, and valued. Because the stigma surrounding Autism melts away within the walls of CAR, I was finally able to feel like I belonged in a professional environment. I know that I want to spend my career helping other Autistic people feel confident and get the care they need and I know I want to support other people who care so deeply about the Autistic community any way I can.
This is why I am participating in the 2024 Eagles Autism Challenge, which benefits the Eagles Autism Foundation. The Eagles Autism Foundation has a dual mission of funding cutting edge research that will benefit Autistic individuals and providing financial help to Autistic individuals in order to receive treatments.
I attended the Eagles Autism Challenge in 2022 and I felt that it was an amazing experience. I could walk around in my noise cancelling headphones, which provide me with relief and a sense of security, and not feel like I stood out. There were so many of us walking around, being our authentic selves unapologetically. Even Swoop was sporting a pair! No one was judging anyone else and, while there was a goal to help Autistic individuals, I also felt like our Autism was celebrated.
Here are some links to speeches I've done!
Autism Playdate: Open
My Research from CAR: Open
