Biosketch
Ryan is a young man with autism spectrum disorder. Ryan at the age of two was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder NOS as he could not talk, verbalize, or gesture. In his youth Ryan went through many intensive hours of ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. Ryan was also diagnosed with epilepsy and thyroid disease. Ryan graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 2013 and went on to Assumption University in which he graduated with a Bachelors’ in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies and a Certificate in Aging Services in 2017. Ryan has worked for several human service agencies and brings years of experience through administration and direct support in working with older adults and people with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. Ryan has been featured in blogs for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and a podcast appearance on Autism Knows No Borders/Global Autism Project which is a podcast series featuring autism self-advocates and people working in the field of autism across the globe. Ryan is currently employed as a special education paraprofessional at his former high school and an autism life coach helping adults with autism virtually across the United States. When Ryan is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, watching movies and television, and going outdoors.