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Amelia Conrad

Amelia is a 12-year-old homeschooled middle school student whose journey to an autism diagnosis began long before she was formally identified at age six in November 2021. From an early age, Amelia experienced challenges across multiple settings, including home, school, and social environments. Her family recognized that something was different, but finding answers was a complex process. Prior to her autism diagnosis, Amelia participated in occupational therapy and physical therapy and underwent numerous evaluations with ophthalmology and optometry specialists due to concerns related to visual processing, balance, coordination, fatigue, and overall participation in daily activities.

In the classroom, Amelia often worked harder than those around her to meet expectations. While she was bright, creative, and eager to learn, she frequently experienced significant mental and physical fatigue throughout the school day. As academic, sensory, visual, and social demands increased, her energy and ability to sustain attention often decreased, making participation and task completion more challenging. Like many autistic girls, some of Amelia’s struggles were not immediately recognized because her difficulties did not always fit traditional expectations of what autism “looks like.”

Since receiving her diagnosis, Amelia and her family have gained a greater understanding of her strengths, support needs, and learning style. Today, she is a strong self-advocate who enjoys sharing her experiences to help others better understand autism, particularly the unique experiences of autistic girls and individuals whose disabilities may not be immediately visible. Amelia is actively involved in adaptive competitive gymnastics, theater, and community activities and enjoys learning, creating, and helping others.


Through this presentation, Amelia hopes to provide an authentic student perspective on autism, accommodations, and belonging. She believes that when educators, families, and professionals listen to autistic voices, they can create environments where all students are better understood, supported, and given opportunities to thrive.

Financial Disclosure: None to disclose. Conference registration paid. Non-financial: None to disclose.

I'm Speaking At

January 16, 2027
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