Tony Hernandez Pumarejo

Tony Hernández Pumarejo (full name: Antonio Gabriel Hernandez Pumarejo) is a Puerto Rican young adult with the condition of Autism. Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico and now residing in Kissimmee, Florida, Tony has experienced different challenges as a person with Autism throughout his life. I was diagnosed with Autism at 3 years old. Being part of the autism spectrum, I went through challenges that are common, but I also went through challenges that may not be common for a person with ASD. Of the challenges I face in my life, are the following:

• Nonverbal up to 4 years
• Verbal handicap problems
• Struggle with social communication.
• Harassment (Bullying)
• Difficulty building relationships and connections with other people.
• Challenges with short-term working memory.
• Social anxiety
• Depression.

Learning to overcome these challenges throughout my life has helped me achieve key goals in my life such as:

Work as a collaborator in the Despierta Orlando television program on the Univision Orlando Channel. I have a weekly segment called Your Purpose, which we talk about different motivational topics and Autism from my perspective as an autistic person.

Be a bilingual speaker.

Published my first book called An Autism Unscripted Life in November 2018.
Translating my book into Spanish and launching it as “Una Vida Autista Sin Libreto” in May 2019.

9 years of work experience in the area of customer service and sales. Obtain full-time employment as a manager in the service area Graduating from Seminole State College of Florida with my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Information. Received Magna Cum Laude (3.7 GPA) honors in December 2016.

Recognized by Dr. Ann McGee, President of Seminole State College, as an autistic person graduating from college.

Being an advocate and ambassador for the Autism community since 2013.
Serving on the board of directors of different Autism organizations such as “Autism Society of Greater Orlando”, “ASD Adult Achievement Center”, Autism Society of Florida and Els for Autism since 2014.

My life purpose is to make a positive and lasting difference in the world.