US

Young Autism Advocates Share Stories of Helplessness to Hope

Under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS is devoting more resources to studying autism. More young adults with autism are becoming advocates to show a bright future.
Young Autism Advocates Share Stories of Helplessness to Hope
Collin Carley (L-R) stands with his sister, Chloe; father, Craig; and mother, Carmen in this undated photo. Courtesy of Carmen Carley
Jeff Louderback
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On a stage at an autism conference in San Diego last year, Collin Carley said he felt butterflies in his stomach as he looked out into a large crowd.

He had practiced what he planned to say multiple times, but that was when he was alone or in front of his parents. Behind the podium, he stood in front of hundreds of people.

Jeff Louderback
Jeff Louderback
Reporter
Jeff Louderback covers major news and politics, including the Make America Healthy Again movement and regenerative farming. Since joining The Epoch Times in 2022, he has covered national elections, the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presidential campaign, the East Palestine train derailment, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Jeff has 30-plus years of professional experience as a reporter, editor, and author.