Makayla Kelley

Turning personal discovery into public advocacy

Makayla is a marketing professional, MBA student, photographer and devoted mother from Kentucky. Her journey with autism is deeply interwoven with her family life; she is the proud mom to Maverick, Jackson and Payton. Ten-year-old Maverick was diagnosed at age eight (Level 1), and 5-year-old daughter, Payton, was diagnosed at age two (Level 3).

Navigating the healthcare system has not always been easy for Makayla, who has faced challenges finding supportive medical care. These experiences, combined with her reliance on Autism Speaks resources and blogs, have fueled her passion for advocacy. She is committed to helping other families navigate school systems and access services, while also pushing for stronger training for healthcare professionals. Through her work in senior care, she is also passionate about advancing research on autism and aging.

Currently, she is on a personal journey of self-discovery, suspecting she might be autistic and actively seeking answers for herself. Accompanied by a lively household that includes a bird, a cat and a golden retriever service animal, this new Champion of Change is dedicated to ensuring families like hers have the resources and support they need to thrive.