A trusted mentor can provide encouragement, guidance and a path to personal development. Autistic people can serve as powerful mentors to peers and colleagues, offering valuable life experiences and firsthand knowledge that can foster understanding and growth. Similarly, for people with autism, a mentor can play a vital role in cultivating new skills or achieving new goals. For family members and support people, mentorship can also provide a wealth of knowledge on topics that arise throughout every unique journey with autism.

In this edition of E-Speaks, learn more about the important role of mentorship in the autism community.

Purpose-driven, functional mentorships support low-pressure learning

My brain develops a laser-like focus when searching for desired information. As an autistic adult, I excel at the type of mentorship — informal and functional flash mentorships — that come with a laid-back style, concrete purpose and less worry about social anxiety. Being autistic, I have embraced purpose-driven, functional mentorship as a comfortable and useful way to develop new knowledge and skills, whether I am the one learning or the one teaching.

A unique connection built on understanding and acceptance

Dr. Kerry Magro, EdD, a professional speaker, best-selling author and autism entertainment consultant who is on the autism spectrum, shares his reasoning behind becoming a mentor to other autistic people.

A parent’s guide to autism

This tool kit is part of Autism Speaks Family Support Tool Kits to support parents and promote a positive future for every child on the spectrum. This guide is a first step toward finding the help families need to travel the road to optimal outcomes.