EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

Influencer and author spreading awareness and acceptance for those with autism

Apr 5, 2023, 1:00 PM

Matthew Kenslow poses with his book, "Juggling the Issues: Living With Asperger's Syndrome." (Matthew Kenslow)

(Matthew Kenslow)

KSLNewsRadio

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Matthew Kenslow was diagnosed with autism when he was six years old. Now, as an adult, he is changing how the world views those living with autism.

He currently is in graduate school and holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. Additionally, he has a large following on social media and is an author of a book.

“My mission is to teach others from a firsthand perspective about how autistic people interpret things differently from the rest of the world,” Kenslow told KSL NewsRadio.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder affects one in 36 children in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control.

In 2017 Kenslow was wondering if he “could contribute anything to this world.” This is when he started his social media presence and wrote his book, “Juggling the Issues: Living With Asperger’s Syndrome,” hoping to bring more acceptance and awareness to this issue.

“I get to talk a lot about autism awareness and acceptance, and sometimes include excerpts from my book,” Kenslow said about his videos on social media.

“I engage with people around the world who comment on my videos about autism. Sometimes, they ask questions that prompt new videos.”

Spreading the word and being kind

Kenslow said he and many others like him want to be social and have friends.

But, “It is hard for us to communicate.” He went on to say that, “our lonesome struggle has caused an upbringing of painful loneliness.”

He urges people to reach out and be kind to those that are different. He states that he is “choosing to educate the “neurotypical” world about autism.

“I am also motivated by the hope that this whole world can get better, not just for my life, but for millions of others.”