Image Descriptions:
Picture 1 A man with dark hair is wearing a black shirt
Picture 2 A man with dark hair is wearing a sports shirt and surrounded by fellow participants.
This Friday feature is on Kadin McElwain. Kadin was diagnosed with Autism, when he was 2 years old. From a young age others began to doubt his potential. Professionals thought with him not speaking, that he would not be achieve much. Little did they know that despite the challenges he would be able to do that and more, with his supportive family. His parents were supporting system and implemented strong morals in him. Kaiden's family also taught him to fully embrace who he was and is apperceive of them. He credits them with all of the success he has achieved and would not have been successful without them.
Kadin's social skills have been greatly impacted by his Autism. He struggles to read facial expressions and social cues. He is highly intelligent and has a fascination with certain things. The greatest difficulty for him is to relate to others and form relationships.
He has also had many achievements. The greatest one has been receiving the Proclamation in Portage County for Autism Awareness. He was the first person with Autism in the country's history, to get the Proclamation. He felt proud to be recognized and to be able show what he could do.
Kaiden is motivated by helping others, especially those with Autism. He feels that Autism often gets overlooked. However, there are a number of different bills, about it that are coming up, and much more work needs to be done.
Music and politics are a few of his favorite hobbies. He has loved both of these since childhood. One day he hopes to make a career out of doing PR in music or political industries. He is also considering working in a nonprofit.
The greatest advice he could give his younger self is that Autism is not a disability, but a different way of thinking. He would also assure his younger self that he would grow up to an amazing person. If others do not think that way, it is their loss of getting to know an amazing person. The best advice that has ever received was to embrace who you are.
Future goals of Kadin are to continue doing advocacy work after college and getting a job. Other future endeavors are running for a political office. He feels that they need more neurodivergent minds in politics, to make the world a better and more diverse place. He hopes to create a better world for all.
You can find Kaiden at
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083352067155
My blog on The Sports Column: https://www.thesportscol.com/author/kadin-mcelwain/
Past interviews:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA6sLh3PIrDL9O47vYnAxxXqcxK7LIidX&si=_BEPZGiuTIlneVvL
Every Friday I feature a person with a disability. Would you or a person you know like to be featured? If so please email me at msteiner441@gmail.com
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