“Photography is about perspective. It’s a way to capture beauty that others might
overlook."
Thank you for building such an awesome building for me and my friends. This center
means so much to all of us—it’s a place to learn, grow, and connect."
The Center has given me the opportunity to find a voice for myself and to help others
find a voice with their journey with autism.”"
Diagnosed with autism at age 12, Doc embraced their diagnosis as another piece of the puzzle that makes them unique. With autism running in their family, it wasn't a surprise but rather an affirmation. Doc's journey has been shaped by understanding and empowerment from their family, allowing them to view autism as an integral part of who they are.
Picking up their first camera at age six, Doc turned a childhood hobby into a powerful form of self-expression. By 14, photography had become their artistic voice. It allows Doc to blend experiences and perspectives into each frame, capturing beauty in the overlooked and sharing their unique worldview with others.
Through photography, Doc advocates for awareness and inclusion, using their work to highlight beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed. Doc's summer photography project, "Through a Different Lens: Beauty Beyond the Usual," reflects this vision, capturing the world within 100 feet of the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism.
Rachel Leonard’s journey with autism began at age seven, when she was unofficially diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (now classified as level 1 autism). Growing up as the eldest child, her symptoms were often unnoticed, but her struggles with routines and social transitions became apparent during her school years. Despite these challenges, Rachel excelled academically but faced significant social struggles.
A pivotal moment came when Rachel enrolled in an ASL class during college. With encouragement from her professors, Rachel found her passion and switched her major to ASL, fostering a meaningful connection to the deaf community.
Upon discovering UVU’s autism studies minor, Rachel found a home within UVU’s supportive community. She embraced opportunities to advocate for autism awareness, participate in events, and excel academically.
“UVU has given me so many opportunities to succeed, and I feel like everyone here wants me to succeed every single day,” Rachel shares. “Being connected with the autism community here has created a safe space for me, and I am grateful for all I have gained.”
