As a teenager with autism, Aaron Krause of Wauwatosa advocates for those on the spectrum

Like any high school senior, Aaron Krause cheered for joy when he received his high school diploma. It arrived in the mail Feb. 6, months earlier than his counterparts.

Aaron had graduated early — and upon receipt of his diploma yelled, "My diploma, my high school diploma!" and fist-pumped.

Aaron has always loved learning, but it wasn't until he enrolled in Kradwell School, 1220 Dewey Ave., that he saw school as a safe place to learn. As a teenager with autism, he has endured his share of classroom bullying in the Wauwatosa public school system.

"At one point, things looks pretty dismal for his future. He's very aware of how Kradwell changed his world, giving him a future he would not have had otherwise. For a teen who had high school graduation at risk, this is a huge deal," said his mother, Sandy Krause, in an email.

Sandy described autism as a "spectrum disorder," in which those diagnosed have a range of capabilities, from verbal to nonverbal skills. Aaron is verbal and high-functioning.

His goal is to be a systems engineer for Microsoft in Seattle. Bill Gates, Albert Einstein and Temple Grandin all had Asperberger's syndrome, or autism, said Aaron. As a computer lover, he is most grateful for Bill Gates' invention of Windows Microsoft.

"People with autism aren't stupid no matter how much people say they are," said Aaron.

With his high school diploma in hand, Aaron started his first semester of college classes at Milwaukee Area Technical College — West Allis in January. He is majoring in electronic engineering technology.

An early diagnosis

Doctors diagnosed Aaron with autism at age five. He used to attend public Wauwatosa schools but switched to Kradwell in eighth grade for its half-day class structure and five students-to-one teacher ratio.

The new environment grew Aaron's self-advocacy. Assistant Principal Mary Helen Schulte described him as diligent, bright, capable and "all about justice and fairness."

"We are very proud of everything he's accomplished so far and know he's going to keep moving forward and be successful," said Schulte.

The Krauses also attended a teen and adult autism support group founded by Carole Burns of Oak Creek. The group facilitated open discussion among members who may have been diagnosed later in life and had questions. It also created "face time" for those on the spectrum who felt segregated in society, said Burns.

"I am just so proud of Aaron. One of the goals he's always had is to go to college, and from what I've seen he's doing really well and making that happen for himself," said Burns, who turned the support group over to Sandy Krause's leadership one year ago. "For Aaron to overcome and make these strides is huge."

Climbing ranks

This year also marked another noteworthy milestone for Aaron: achieving Eagle Scout rank in Troop 21.

Aaron fulfilled his childhood dream as he completed his Eagle Scout board of review in November 2014, and celebrated his court of honor ceremony January 2015.

Aaron joined scouting as a senior kindergartner. Since then, his goal has always been to reach Eagle Scout.

Boy Scouts helps teach boys confidence and independence, because there is no timeline to complete merit badges.

"It's boy-directed. That's an advantage for special needs boys. They get it done on their own schedule and it does teach them that self-motivation," said Steve Weber, Troop 21 scoutmaster.

Camping and swimming merit badges took Aaron out of his comfort zone, but it was that "push" that helped him to grow, said Sandy.

"The one thing Aaron did for Troop 21 is teach other boys around him how to accommodate special needs and not be upset or bothered by them," said Weber. "He's accepted his disability, but I don't think he sees it as a disability."

Wisconsin Senator Leah Vukmir attended the court of honor ceremony in support of Aaron, who lobbied with Vukmir to support a special needs scholarship and autism insurance mandate at the Capitol.

"Aaron holds her in high regard," said Sandy.

Later this month, Aaron will speak about his experience with autism and scouting on Sirius Satellite Radio.

His goal? "To help other people know about autism. It'll help," said Aaron. He also hopes to encourage other Boy Scouts with autism.

This is one of many speaking engagements Aaron has participated in.

Others include testifying before a Senate committee meeting on special needs scholarships, speaking for the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin and for Marquette University's Urban Autism Summit.

Aaron worked with Burns' non-profit organization, Einstein Productions, to produce his Eagle Scout video project. Einstein Productions is a training and mentoring organizations for individuals with autistism and those who are non-diagnosed to learn how to create websites, flash animation, produce video and photography, and more.

His video "All Are Welcome," shows the acceptance of people with special needs at his faith community, Divine Word Pentecost Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.