Kaelynn Partlow’s journey from an autism diagnosis at age ten to becoming a therapist and advocate demonstrates resilience and determination.
Her role as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Project Hope Foundation showcases her passion for helping others on the spectrum.
Kaelynn’s book, Life on the Bridge, offers practical tips for parents, educators, and autistic individuals.
Through her social media, Kaelynn emphasizes authentic representation of autism and highlights diverse needs within the community.
When I first discovered Kaelynn Partlow on social media two years ago, after watching her on Love On the Spectrum, I was captivated by her unique perspective as a young woman with autism.
Her journey—from being diagnosed at age ten to becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), keynote speaker, and author—is both inspiring and insightful.
I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Kaelynn to discuss her experiences, her new book, and her advocacy for individuals with autism.
Kaelynn’s autism diagnosis came when she was ten years old, following a series of evaluations in Orlando, Florida. Though the testing was extensive, Kaelynn was not given the full results.
She recalled, “They told me I had dyslexia and that I think differently, but they didn’t give me the full picture until I was about 13 or 14.” It was during a movie night featuring Temple Grandin that her mom drew parallels between Kaelynn and the movie’s protagonist and was able to explain to Kaelynn about her autism diagnosis.
Soon after, she enrolled in the Project Hope Foundation, a South Carolina school for children with autism. This turning point paved the way for Kaelynn’s personal and professional growth.
Finding the right school for children with autism can be challenging. There are often specialized placements for children with higher needs but it can be difficult to find a good fit for each unique profile.
Kaelynn’s early school years were challenging. From public school to private Christian school and even homeschooling, nothing seemed to fit.
By third grade, academic struggles and social difficulties took a toll on her self-esteem and is what started her family seeking diagnosis and support.
Project Hope Foundation, an inclusion-based school, became her sanctuary. “It was a place where I could thrive both socially and academically,” she shared.
Today, Project Hope remains a beacon for children with autism, offering tailored programs to meet diverse needs.
Kaelynn’s role as an RBT at Project Hope came naturally. “As a student, I discovered I enjoyed interacting with children, especially those on the spectrum,” she explained.
This passion evolved into a career dedicated to helping others navigate challenges similar to her own.
Kaelynn’s work highlights her ability to “bridge the gap” between neurotypical and autistic individuals, a theme she explores in her book, Life on the Bridge: Linking My World to Yours as an Autistic Therapist.
Kaelynn’s decision to write Life on the Bridge stemmed from a desire to centralize her knowledge and experiences. “Not everyone uses social media, and even those who do often ask for resources,” she said. It made sense to put all her information into an easy to grab guide.
Her book serves as a practical guide for parents, educators, professionals, and autistic individuals alike, offering actionable solutions alongside heartfelt anecdotes. “I want readers to take away something that truly makes a difference in their lives,” she emphasized.
Despite her independence, Kaelynn acknowledges ongoing challenges. I asked her about something she wrote in her book relating to meltdowns, and how in many of her videos she uses fidgets to help her speak.
“I still experience meltdowns occasionally,” she admitted, sharing how certain triggers, like car troubles, can disrupt her routine. Tools like fidget toys and emotional regulation strategies help her manage these moments.
Kaelynn’s journey to independence also included overcoming hurdles like learning to drive. Determined not to fall behind her peers, she worked with an occupational therapist to develop the necessary skills. “I refused to be late in getting my driver’s license,” she said proudly.
Kaelynn’s appearance on Love on the Spectrum brought her story to a broader audience. “I saw a casting call on Facebook and thought, ‘Why not?’” she recounted.
Though she didn’t find love on the show, the experience was invaluable. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said, adding that it provided her with a platform to advocate for authentic representation of autism in media.
Kaelynn says she continues to date but that she thinks she will have a better fit with a neurotypical partner.
Social media has become a powerful platform for advocacy and connection within the autism community, and Kaelynn leverages it to foster understanding and inclusion.
Through her videos and posts, she not only shares her personal experiences but also highlights the diversity of the autism spectrum. For instance, she frequently features interactions with her friend Colby, who has level three autism, to showcase the unique challenges and strengths of individuals with profound needs. Seeing Colby represented is something I love about Kaelynn’s social media channels.
Kaelynn emphasizes the importance of authentic representation, using social media to bridge gaps in understanding between neurotypical and autistic individuals.
Her content also serves as an educational tool, demonstrating practical approaches to communication and advocacy in real-life scenarios. By focusing on visibility and authenticity, Kaelynn transforms her platform into a space where education and empathy thrive.
As a behavior analyst, I’ve often encountered debates about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). My podcast on the 4 myths and truths about ABA is very popular and for good reason, there is a lot of confusion and controversy surrounding ABA.
Kaelynn’s perspective is refreshingly nuanced. “ABA has a bad reputation, and some of it is deserved,” she acknowledged. However, she believes in showing, not just telling, how modern ABA practices prioritize positive, individualized approaches.
At Project Hope Foundation, sessions focus on fostering skills in a compassionate, supportive environment. “We’re committed to showing what good ABA looks like,” she affirmed and she even has consent to film and share some of these sessions to help with advocacy.
My conversation with Kaelynn left me feeling inspired and hopeful. Her dedication to bridging gaps—whether through her work as an RBT, her book, or her advocacy—is a testament to the power of inclusion and understanding.
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of autism awareness, voices like Kaelynn’s remind us of the importance of celebrating strengths, addressing challenges, and working together to create a more inclusive world.
To follow Kaelynn’s journey, connect with her on social media, or inquire about speaking opportunities, scroll down to the resources as she responds best via email.
And don’t forget to check out Life on the Bridge, available now on Amazon. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and support one another on this journey.
After graduating from Project Hope Foundation services, Kaelynn joined as a staff member, becoming a Registered Behavior Technician. She works with older clients on advanced social and cognition skills, and her focus this year is on developing training materials.
In 2022, Kaelynn was featured in the Netflix series, Love on the Spectrum, which received three Emmy awards. Since it aired, she has been interviewed by NPR, ABC News Life, and several national podcasts.
She has parlayed this exposure into a social media reach of nearly 200,000 followers, and millions of views on multiple Instagram and TikTok videos. She has been intentional in using her platform to spread awareness about autism and to advocate for ABA methodology as effective treatment.
You can find her on Instagram and TikTok @Kaelynnvp and on Facebook @Kaelynn’s Autistic Angle.
Kaelynn Partlow is an autistic advocate, therapist, author, and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). She uses her platform to share personal experiences, advocate for autism awareness, and promote authentic representation.
Kaelynn’s book, Life on the Bridge: Linking My World to Yours as an Autistic Therapist, offers practical tips and insights for parents, educators, and autistic individuals. It focuses on actionable solutions to everyday challenges and aims to foster better understanding of autism.
Kaelynn uses social media to highlight the diversity of autism, often featuring her friend Colby, who has level three autism. Her content emphasizes authentic representation, educates her audience, and bridges understanding between neurotypical and autistic individuals.
Project Hope Foundation is an organization that supports individuals with autism through tailored educational programs and therapeutic services. Kaelynn works there as an RBT, helping others navigate challenges on the autism spectrum.
You can follow Kaelynn on social media or reach out to her via email for speaking engagements and other inquiries. Her book, Life on the Bridge, is available on Amazon, and she regularly shares educational content across platforms.
Resources
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