Award-Winning Autistic Speaker Dr. Kerry Magro Visits Newark Academy

Award-winning autistic professional speaker and best-selling author Kerry Magro, Ed.D, spoke to students at Newark Academy — an independent school for grades 6-12 in Livingston, NJ — about the exceptional abilities of individuals with autism diagnoses, the prevalence of bullying and the importance of disability acceptance on October 27, 2023 as part of the school’s Signature Speaker Series.

“Learning differences or accommodations aren’t a label, but part of your unique tool kit in this diverse and vibrant world,” Dr. Magro said. “Every mind is a universe of thoughts and every individual, a world of possibilities. Your differences are not just to be accepted, they are to be celebrated.”

Following the presentation, students were able to ask questions and continue the discussion through a breakout session with Dr. Magro. He also provided students with strategies for both self-advocacy and being allies and friends to those with disabilities.

“For our students who might have learning differences, I feel strongly that when they see others like themselves who are thriving and understand that they are not alone in their struggles, whatever those might be, they learn to advocate for themselves,” said Newark Academy Director of Equity and Inclusion Rochelle Outlaw Edwards. “For our students who we might describe as neurotypical, I hope that they learned how to be better allies and friends to those in the disabled community.”

In addition to being an award-winning speaker and best-selling author, Dr. Magro is an autism consultant to the HBO series Mrs. Fletcher as well as the latest season of Netflix’s Emmy-award winning show, Love on the Spectrum U.S. He has spoken at over 1,200 events, two TEDx Talks and given a “Talks at Google” presentation. In addition, Dr. Magro is CEO and president of KFM Making A Difference, a nonprofit organization that hosts inclusion events and has provided over 100 college scholarships for students with autism since 2011.

“Dr. Magro was an amazing speaker. Everything he said was captivating and informative at the same time,” said Newark Academy freshman Ash Adams. “He explained the experience of having mental disabilities so well and I would recommend him as a source of information to anyone wanting to learn more about autism, its community and more.”

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding this year, Newark Academy (NA) provides students in grades 6-12 with the knowledge and skills to become meaningful contributors to their communities and the wider world. The school has earned its outstanding reputation for transforming the lives of students through its dynamic program and student-centered approach. NA students develop a true love of learning through innovative and engaging classroom experiences, while challenging themselves in the school’s signature immersive and global programs: International Baccalaureate®, June Term, Capstone Experiences and the Immersion Experience. Outside the classroom, Newark Academy’s award-winning arts and athletics programs foster student passions while also helping them become better leaders and teammates. For more information about Newark Academy, visit www.newarka.edu.