# @childrenscolo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DXudRVNFNj9
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68564168-childrenscolo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/acfa1138ef.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-04-29T18:37:36.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Children's Hospital Colorado (@ChildrensColo) — https://gondola.cc/ChildrensColo

## Caption

When Dylan was diagnosed with autism at 12 years old, his mom Lynn, felt like it was the most fulfilling part of his journey — to be understood and learn about new tools to thrive. Today at 20, Dylan is advocating for himself and others like him to better understand autism. 

“Autism is extremely different and it looks different in every person,” Dylan says. “We can’t treat it all the same way.” 

After several other diagnoses when he was younger, including generalized anxiety and ADHD, Dylan came to Children’s Hospital Colorado and met pediatric psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Coan. Quickly, Dylan and Dr. Coan formed a relationship that allowed Dylan to be himself and learn strategies to help him navigate life with autism. His parents also found that the therapies weren’t just for Dylan. His family took part, too. 

“We wanted to understand him as a family, and Dr. Coan includes us as a family unit where we learn what’s helping treat him,” Dylan’s dad Jeff says. 

Since starting therapy, Dylan graduated from high school and learned that he needs some time alone to feel less overwhelmed. He has a job at a hospital in their food and nutrition services department and was successful advocating for himself to be in the right position. He’s also as a part of the Autistic Mentors Group led by Dr. Coan and other providers where he educates other patients, families and healthcare professionals about autism and explains how to help. 

“I like to give advice because if it works for me, it might work for someone else,” Dylan says. 

Dylan knew he was different and was sometimes treated differently. He hopes that through his advocacy he can help other kids embrace their differences and advocate for themselves. This Autism Acceptance Month we celebrate Dylan, the neurodivergent community and providers like Dr. Coan that make stories like Dylan’s possible.

#HereItsDifferent #AutismAcceptanceMonth #neurodivergent #autism

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## Tags

autismacceptancemonth, autism, neurodivergent, hereitsdifferent

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