Empowered and Unstoppable: How Advocacy Fueled Jake’s Success

Jake wearing is graduation cap and gown while standing beneath Cal State Fullerton sign

Get to know Jake S., 22

When Jake was diagnosed with autism at age three, he couldn't speak, and he didn’t find his first words until he was nearly five. From those very early, challenging days, his mother, Daphne, made a defining choice: they would never hide his diagnosis or speak of it in whispers. She wanted Jake to grow up embracing exactly who he was, completely unapologetically.

His path was never easy. There were overwhelming sensory meltdowns, years of intensive therapies and endless doctor appointments. Yet, through the support of special education programs within the Tustin Unified School District, Jake’s self-awareness and sheer determination began to shine. He exceled in the classroom, cultivated friendships and embraced his

individuality. He and his mom knew early on that the world wasn't necessarily built for minds like his, but he was resolved to thrive anyway.

After graduating high school, Jake chose to continue his education at Cal State Fullerton to study marine biology. At CSUF, Jake became his own fiercest advocate, partnering with Disability Support Services to secure the tools he needed to succeed: extended testing time, front-row seating and AI transcription support.

Jake's journey touched on some of the crossroads autistic people and families face most. Here's where you and your family can find support:

The Autism Speaks Guide to IEPs helps families build effective, tailored educational plans so students can thrive in the classroom.
When traditional university settings seem daunting, preparation is everything. Resources like the Autism Speaks Postsecondary Education Hub help adolescents and their families map out the crucial jump from high school to higher education and independent living.
Autism Speaks’ Postsecondary Educational Opportunities Guide outlines how autistic students can independently navigate campus disability services, understand their legal rights, and ask for the exact tools they need to succeed.

Even when a new obstacle hit last year, a sudden seizure leading to a focal epilepsy diagnosis that stripped away his independence and his ability to drive himself to and from classes, Jake didn’t let the setback stand in the way of his ultimate goal.

On May 18th of this year, Jake graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in marine biology. Along the way, he lifted up other autistic students, showing them that they belonged there, too.

“I was brought up never to be ashamed or embarrassed that I have autism. Being truthful about my challenges also taught me practical lessons, like realizing it's okay to ask for extra time boarding a plane, or a fast pass at Disneyland or accommodations in school,” Jake said. “Those experiences showed me that when you ask, people genuinely want to help — and it makes life better for me. That openness, which started with my mom, is what gave me the confidence to keep advocating for myself.”

Stories like Jake's highlight the profound importance of proper support during the transition to higher education. For many neurodivergent individuals, programs like College for All are essential, filling a critical gap for aspiring college students with autism and ADHD by helping them build the independent living and academic skills necessary to navigate a university campus.

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