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First openly autistic attorney in Florida inspires local families

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Haley Moss has shattered misconceptions about people on the autism spectrum by becoming the first openly autistic attorney in Florida. She shared her story about becoming a practicing attorney the local families Sunday morning.

“I share with them not to set limits and I share with them that different isn’t bad, it’s just different and different could be extraordinary,” Moss said.

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Moss said she was nonverbal at a young age and was diagnosed with autism at 3-years-old. She began special education, and after a year she joined her other classmates. After graduating high school, Moss continued her education at the University of Florida. She then went on to study law at the University of Miami. She told Action News Jax her family was her support system that helped her through school.

“I am so grateful for all of their support,” Moss said. “Everything they’ve done for me and never setting limits on what I can and can’t do.”

Moss said she chose to become an attorney to help others.

“Lawyers have the potential to make a difference in somebody’s life every single day,” Moss said. “So that’s why I went, and knowing on the other side I would be able to do that is what made easier of the hard days.”