06/05/2025 “Now I Know Why, I am What I Am” By Kaylee McGrath

Opening Statement and Public Message:

For as long as I can remember, I was always the family member, classmate, neighbor, co-worker, and a friend to very few people that appeared odd, weird, extremely quiet, awkward, distant, and introverted. Although, I did and still do try very hard to find and build friendships, unfortunately my friendships do not work out for very long. Writing this announcement and a deeper look into the future for me was not easy, but I decided to find the courage, strength to come forward, share my recent test results, and confirmed diagnosis from a very well-respected New Jersey Neuropsychologist. On May 6, 2025, at the age of 27, I was officially diagnosed with having “autism spectrum disorder” and “ADHD” (AuADHD). Along with my past diagnosis’s from earlier in life of having a Developmental Disability (intellectual disability, processing, learning, and executive functioning disorders). Additionally, I have Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety. I’m not too sure why it is harder to diagnose females, but generally, females in some cases, are diagnosed later in life with being on the autism spectrum. 

Moving Forward

My determination and dedication are to remain an advocate not only for myself but for others like me with “hidden disabilities,” physical disabilities, and chronic illnesses. I will of course continue with photography and take as many workshops as possible, and one-on-one instruction classes to stay up to date on technology, modern techniques, lighting and editing skills, build my craft, and client base for portraiture work. My desire is to continue to write blogs and work towards developing a larger audience and readership. I have joined a dating app for individuals that have Autism, ADHD, and other hidden disabilities. I will remain hopeful to find a nice understanding man with similar challenges to myself to date and build a meaningful relationship, hopefully get married, and have children someday. Continue to try as best as I can to build friendships, both with women and men in “Real Life” instead of social media connections and online interactions. I will do research to find programs to help me with socialization, social cues, and be more comfortable with not only myself but with family, future friendships, co-workers, and romantic relationships

Closing Statement and Keeping a Positive Attitude:

Remaining positive is the key for anyone that has a disability or a chronic illness. One of the positive stances that I decided to embrace a long time ago was… Having any kind of a disability or living with a chronic illness is never to allow it, or the unfortunate labeling of it to be a, “Prison Life Sentence.” The disabled community has a lot to offer, even considering our challenges, and the assistance we do or may need. Despite what some people may think, we contribute to the workforce (even by working part-time), the economy (we buy food, other goods, pay utilities, and taxes on the money that we earn), we vote, and we are involved within the community. Contributing our talents to technology, science, advocating, the arts, and freelance writing, etc. have been made by many of us (including me with photography and writing blogs). If you have any doubt of what I’m stating, please do take the time out to Google famous disabled people. The truth is…there will always be a large part of Americans and across the world that will never accept the disabled because of their lack of knowledge/education within this specific matter. Last, but not least…people in general can be mean, inhuman, or how I personally label them as being… “Elitists and A-holes.” The truth is, the disabled have been around since the beginning of time. We are here to stay, our voices are getting louder, and our numbers have been increasing every year. We are human just like you, we have feelings, and we continue to have a unique role and purpose in the world, workforce, and in the community.

Thank you for reading my public message!