“摄影是关于视角的。 It’s a way to capture beauty that others might
overlook."
谢谢你为我和我的朋友们建造了这么棒的建筑。 This center
means so much to all of us—it’s a place to learn, grow, and connect."
The Center has given me the opportunity to find a voice for myself and to help others
find a voice with their journey with autism.”"
Diagnosed with autism at age 12, Doc embraced their diagnosis as another piece of the puzzle that makes them unique. With autism running in their family, it wasn't a surprise but rather an affirmation. Doc's journey has been shaped by understanding and empowerment from their family, allowing them to view autism as an integral part of who they are.
Picking up their first camera at age six, Doc turned a childhood hobby into a powerful form of self-expression. 14岁时，摄影已经成为他们的艺术声音。 It allows Doc to blend experiences and perspectives into each frame, capturing beauty in the overlooked and sharing their unique worldview with others.
Through photography, Doc advocates for awareness and inclusion, using their work to highlight beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed. Doc's summer photography project, "Through a Different Lens: Beauty Beyond the Usual," reflects this vision, capturing the world within 100 feet of the melissa nelesen自闭症中心.
Rachel Leonard’s journey with autism began at age seven, when she was unofficially diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (now classified as level 1 autism). Growing up as the eldest child, her symptoms were often unnoticed, but her struggles with routines and social transitions became apparent during her school years. Despite these challenges, Rachel excelled academically but faced significant social struggles.
当瑞秋在大学期间报名参加美国手语课程时，关键时刻到来了。 With encouragement from her professors, Rachel found her passion and switched her major to ASL, fostering a meaningful connection to the deaf community.
Upon discovering UVU’s autism studies minor, Rachel found a home within UVU’s supportive community. She embraced opportunities to advocate for autism awareness, participate in events, and excel academically.
“UVU has given me so many opportunities to succeed, and I feel like everyone here wants me to succeed every single day,” Rachel shares. “Being connected with the autism community here has created a safe space for me, and I am grateful for all I have gained.”
