PALM HARBOR, Fla. — World Autism Day is next month, and a Palm Harbor woman has the honor of speaking to the United Nations, advocating for those with autism. 

  • Rachel Barcellona to speak at UN for World Autism Day
  • Barcellona, who has autism, competes in beauty pageants, advocating for autism awareness

What's so special about Rachel Barcellona, is that she has autism herself. But she hasn't let that stop her from following her dreams. 

The 19-year-old has already broken down a lot of barriers across the country.  She has been in beauty pageants around the U.S., using that platform to advocate for autism awareness. 

 

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States today.

There are many sub-types of autism, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.  Each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. 

Adults with autism who are high functioning may have only mild challenges.

Actress and comedian Amy Schumer recently opened up about her husband, Chris Fischer, being on the autism spectrum.  

She said there were signs early on that "her husband's brain was a little different," but she said it's part of the reason why she fell in love with him.  They are expecting their first child. 

More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder and about 1 percent of the world population has autism spectrum disorder, according to autismsociety.org. 

The UN started observing World Autism Day on April 2 in 2008 after realizing that access to support service for autism is tough in some countries. 

Barcellona, who was invited to the UN by the Global Autism Project, will be speaking about politics and advocacy, along with how technology helps with her advocacy. 

In the video above, Barcellona talks about not letting autism define her and how she is like everyone else: