Florida's First Openly Autistic Lawyer Has No Limits

EPISODE 7:

Autism ranges from person to person. It can’t be physically detected and can confuse those who aren’t touched by it.

 One amazing individual, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, and is now a practicing attorney in Miami, Florida. Her name is Haley Moss, and she graduated with her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2018. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with Bachelors degrees in both Psychology and Criminology. Haley is also a renowned visual pop artist, and the author of three books. She has recently gained national attention with People Magazine, CBS News, CNN, USA Today, and The Today Show. To say this young woman is making a positive impact, would just not be enough. Haley continues to prove time and time again that her diagnosis does not set limits on achievements.

HALEY MOSS: BIO

Haley Moss was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and is now a practicing attorney in Miami, Florida. She graduated with her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2018, and graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Criminology.

She is a renowned visual pop artist and the author of “Middle School: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About” and “A Freshman Survival Guide for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About.” She also was the illustrator and a contributor for the Autism Women’s Network anthology “What Every Autistic Girl Wishes Her Parents Knew.” Her writing has been featured in HuffPost, Elite Daily, The Mighty, and other websites and publications.

Haley was most recently honored with the 2019 Occhigrossi Family Youth in Service Award, the 2018 Publix Self-Advocate of the Year, the 2018 UM-NSU CARD Outstanding Self-Advocate, and the 2018 Voices of Hope Honoree by Birch Family Services in New York City. She was also recognized as a BlogHer 2016 Voices of the Year honoree and one of South Florida’s Young Leaders in Philanthropy. She was also presented with the Council For Exceptional Children’s Yes I Can! International Award in April 2011. Haley created the featured artwork as well as being presented with the Teen Hero Award at the 10^th Annual Samsung Hope for Children event in June 2011.

She is currently serving on the constituency board for UM-NSU CARD and previously served on the board of Unicorn Village Academy.

SUMMARY

Always remember that a diagnosis is not a tragedy. It takes an open mind, lots of listening, and asking a ton of questions. Knowledge is power! One type of therapy that works for one child may not work for another. Be open to all types of therapies, and don’t be afraid to set high expectations. Most of all, unconditionally love your child. Find their amazing strengths and focus on those.

Thanks so much for joining My Autism Tribe!