Times Observer photo provided Lakeshore Community Services, Inc. hosted author Dr. Kerry Magro on Thursday morning, who spoke at Struthers Library Theatre in recognition of Autism Acceptance Mon

Dr. Kerry Magro, who is an author, speaker and consultant for the Netflix show “Love on the Spectrum,” was at Struthers Library Theatre last week to speak on behalf and in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month.

Magro started life as a non-speaking child on the autism spectrum but overcame the obstacles he faced and was not only accepted to college, but succeeded and is now a professional speaker, as well as the aforementioned consulting for a popular streaming television show and authoring a book entitled “Autistics on Autism.”

The Netflix show, which Magro consults for, is a romantic documentary-style series where people on the autism spectrum look for love and navigate the ever-changing world of dating, relationships. The book Magro compiled is a tell-all utilizing the input of 100 adult autistic voices sharing topics about receiving the autism diagnosis, early intervention, overcoming obstacles and what helped them succeed in the scholastic setting with a learning disability.

Many of the stories in Magro’s “Autistics on Autism,” are from the non-profit KFM Making a Difference which helps aid scholarship applicants with autism and awards grants to small businesses that hire folks with disabilities. Individuals who purchase this book should know that all proceeds go back to this non-profit to fund initiatives like the scholarship and grant programs for years to come.

Magro founded the KFM Making a Difference non-profit organization, whose mission is to “provide autistic individuals on the spectrum and their families support and encouragement by increasing awareness of disabled persons’ abilities, encouraged through scholarships, training and education at all levels, and finding affordable housing for them in a safe and supported environment,” according to kfmmakingadifference.org.

Magro’s presentation Thursday for Autism Acceptance Month was sponsored by Lakeshore Community Services, or Warren. Lakeshore’s roots are in providing quality care for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism in settings well integrated in the local community. In a Lakeshore home, folks can expect a program that protects their dignity and health while affording them opportunities to develop new and fulfilling relationships.

In Warren and Forest counties, Lakeshore Community Services offers Intellectual Disabilities Services to men and women of all ages, including: community homes; life sharing; community participation services; and an adult training facility.

Currently, Lakeshore Community Services provides residential care or assistance to more than 700 individuals. Lakeshore is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Human Services and Office of Intellectual Disabilities and is certified by the Office of Mental Health.

It is funded in its efforts by the Erie County Department of Human Services, Cameron and Elk Behavioral/ Developmental Program, the McKean County Department of Human Services, Clearfield Jefferson Mental Health/Mental Retardation Programs (Community Connections), and Forest, Warren Department of Human Services, grants from the community and private contributions.

For more information about Lakeshore Community Services, visit https://www.lakeshorecs.org/