A Conversation With Kadin McElwain: Autism, Achievement, and Perseverance

Oct 24, 2024

7 min read

At LifeLit, we believe in sharing stories that inspire and resonate with the communities we serve. Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with an extraordinary young man, Kadin McElwain. Diagnosed with autism at 2 years old, Kadin’s journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, growth, and the importance of a supportive environment. His achievements—navigating the complexities of growing up on the autism spectrum, overcoming educational barriers, and securing his place on the Dean’s List at Kent State University multiple times—are nothing short of remarkable.

Kadin’s story has been shared widely across platforms such as Autism Digest and Autism Speaks, but we wanted to explore his journey further. Our conversation delved into his experiences during middle and high school, his strategies for maintaining productivity, and his vision for the future. We hope that sharing Kadin’s journey will inspire others to embrace their potential.

Kadin’s Journey: Overcoming Obstacles

Kadin’s successes, from his early diagnosis to his academic triumphs, stand out because they were achieved in environments that weren’t always designed to accommodate the needs of autistic individuals. His story emphasises the need for schools and communities to foster more inclusive, understanding spaces for people on the spectrum.

Q1: School life, particularly in high school, can present unique challenges for all students. As someone on the autism spectrum, how did you navigate those years? Were there any specific experiences—positive or negative—that stand out in terms of support or misunderstandings from educators or adults?

Kadin: “Oh, middle and high school were nightmares for me. Particularly in middle school, they tried to get me off my IEP (Individualised Education Programme) without parental knowledge or consent because I was doing well academically. Of course, my parents fought to get that back. But that's one moment in my academic career that stands out to me. I thrived academically, but I do feel that people should've been more empathetic towards the social struggles being on the spectrum can bring.”

Kadin’s insights into his school years shed light on how educational systems can either support or hinder autistic students. His reflections on these experiences highlight the need for better resources, understanding, and inclusion in mainstream education.

Navigating Autism: Routines, Diet, and Productivity

Daily management of autism often requires thoughtful routines and self-care strategies. For Kadin, establishing a balance through routines and diet has been key to his success, helping him stay productive while maintaining his overall well-being.

Q2: Routines can often be an essential part of daily life for individuals with autism. Could you share some of the strategies or routines that help you manage your day-to-day life? How do these routines support your productivity and well-being?

Kadin: “Recently, I've been trying to reduce the amount of work I've been doing to focus exclusively on my academics and advocacy. Historically, I've had a bad habit of overdoing it when it comes to taking on tasks. But two tips that I have on how to handle routines is to be open to change and to not take on too much.”

Q3: Many people on the spectrum find that their sensory experiences or mood can be influenced by factors like diet. Is this something you have found helpful in your life? How do you approach maintaining balance and focus through your dietary choices?

Kadin: “I could write a whole essay on this, quite frankly. But for me, it's texture. I used to love peanut butter when I was younger. But I think due to the texture sensitivities I have to peanut butter and nuts and the like, I strongly dislike it now. I have also been working on my diet by reducing the amount of caffeine I consume and trying to get more vegetables in my diet.”

By sharing Kadin’s strategies, we hope to inspire others—particularly young people on the spectrum—to discover and implement routines that help them thrive both personally and academically.

Maintaining Productivity: Kadin’s Strategy for Success

Kadin’s academic achievements, including making the Dean’s List four times, are the result of consistent effort and self-discipline. But behind these accomplishments is a structured approach to maintaining focus and productivity.

Q4: Reaching the Dean’s List is an impressive achievement. What strategies have you found most helpful in maintaining the focus and productivity needed to meet those high standards? What guidance might you offer to others who are striving to balance academic or personal success with their own needs?

Kadin: “I think the key to a successful academic career while still having personal success is to always strive for balance and to put in the work. If you're paying hundreds upon thousands of dollars to go to an institution, you should always be willing to put in the effort to get the degree. If it means cutting off certain things you like to do, then so be it. What matters is getting the degree while still maintaining your personal needs.”

Kadin’s story illustrates that with the right routines and self-motivation, it’s possible to succeed in even the most challenging academic settings. His experience offers valuable lessons for others facing similar obstacles.

Ambitions and Overcoming Setbacks

Our conversation with Kadin also touched on a pivotal moment from high school when his school attempted to remove him from his Individualised Education Programme (IEP). The removal of his IEP would have stripped away essential, legally mandated support tailored to his unique needs. This could have severely impacted his ability to thrive academically and socially, as he would have lost access to accommodations like specialised instruction, extra time on tests, and behavioural support.

Without these accommodations, Kadin might have struggled to keep up in a mainstream classroom, potentially leading the school to suggest more restrictive settings that could limit his interactions with peers. Fortunately, his parents advocated fiercely, ensuring that he retained the IEP, allowing him to continue flourishing in an inclusive environment.

Q5: Navigating systems that aren’t always designed to accommodate neurodiversity can be tough. Based on your own journey, what advice would you share with others who may be facing similar challenges in their own educational or professional settings?

Kadin: “My advice would be to have a circle of trust. Choose five people that will always be in your corner and fight for what you deserve. Also, if people aren't willing to accommodate what you need, you should fight as hard as possible to get what you need to thrive in your endeavours.”

Kadin’s experience is a reminder of the importance of advocacy and knowledge. His parents’ persistence in ensuring he remained part of the inclusive programme significantly shaped his success, demonstrating how vital it is for families and educators to work together to support autistic students.

The Importance of Integrated Learning for Autistic Students

Research supports the value of inclusive education for autistic students. Studies, such as those published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, show that autistic students who participate in integrated settings develop stronger social skills and achieve higher academic outcomes compared to those in segregated environments. According to the National Autistic Society, mainstream education, with the right accommodations, can provide autistic students with the opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

Q6: Integrated learning has been an important part of your journey. Could you share your thoughts on how integrated learning has worked for you and any challenges you’ve encountered along the way?

Kadin: “Like I said, it was mainly the social stuff I struggled with at that time, and I still do today, but they're improving. Academically, I did completely well in an integrated learning environment, because I had two amazing parents in my corner who knew what I was capable of.”

Kadin’s story highlights the importance of integrated education, not only for academic success but also for personal growth and confidence. His journey underscores the need for ongoing efforts to make education more inclusive, supportive, and tailored to the needs of each individual.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Kadin’s journey is far from over. His resilience, determination, and ambition to inspire others will undoubtedly continue to shape his path. His message is clear: advocate for yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and surround yourself with people who believe in your potential.

Q7: Looking toward the future, what are some of your personal or professional goals? How do you envision using your experiences to inspire or support others, especially those on the spectrum?

Kadin: “I definitely want to continue the advocacy work I'm doing now, whether that be independently or with an organisation. Eventually, I want to run for some form of political office in the States. I think having more neurodivergent people in political office could definitely bring some true change to certain policies and ideologies.”

At LifeLit, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Through continued advocacy and education, we can work together to create a world where every individual, regardless of ability, has the chance to succeed. Kadin’s story is proof that, with the right support, anything is possible.

Kadin’s story serves as a living example of what we at LifeLit are striving to achieve. He is the embodiment of how, with the right nurturing and support, young people with special educational needs can break through the barriers of societal prejudice and discrimination. Kadin’s resilience, confidence, and determination to succeed are precisely the qualities we aim to foster in every young person we work with.

At LifeLit, our mission is to develop confidence, resilience, and independence in SEN students, giving them the tools and self-belief to shape their futures on their own terms. Kadin’s journey shows us all that with the right encouragement, the potential for success is limitless.

If you'd like to connect with Kadin and learn more about his inspiring journey, feel free to drop us a line at info@lifelit.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to facilitate the connection. Together, we can continue to support the incredible potential of young people like Kadin.