Empowering Autistics to Reach Their Full Potential

Autism exists on a spectrum, but that spectrum is not linear. It is unique to each individual who then can thrive in different types of supportive environments. Julie Kogura creativity shares her framework called “SOAR” (Support Open Advocacy Resources) to help empower autistic individuals to reach their full potential. Julie Kogura works in project management at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a visual effects division of Lucasfilm. Her previous experience includes post-production work at Dick Clark Productions, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Lucasfilm Animation. Since Julie has a passion for advocating for the disability community, she founded Enabled at Lucasfilm, a disability employee resource group. She has received a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Loyola Marymount University and a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University. In middle school, Julie was diagnosed with a reading and oral comprehension learning disability, and later in life, received a diagnosis as being autistic. When Julie is not advocating for autistic individuals, she enjoys dancing and playing basketball. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.