Ammon Rasmussen is a dedicated student pursuing a degree in fisheries, range and wildlife management with an emphasis in range management at BYU-Idaho.

He has participated in the BYUI Fish, Range and Wildlife Society for his entire college career, spending several semesters in leadership positions within the society.

Rasmussen is currently the president-elect for the Idaho section of the Society for Range Management and has spent many hours volunteering for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in his spare time.

Ammon Rasmussen met his wife, Azzayah Rasmussen, at BYUI and they were married in April of this year.

In addition to his academic pursuits, significant achievements and life milestones, Rasmussen has autism.

Rasmussen was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dysgraphia throughout his life. As a result, he has learned how to adapt and utilize various resources to achieve success.

Despite these obstacles, he has persevered with resilience and a positive outlook, making the most of each situation and working hard to achieve his goals.

Navigating social situations is one of the most frequent challenges Rasmussen experienced during his university experience.

Despite having to maneuver through those road bumps, Rasmussen is a great verbal communicator.

Rasmussen believes that social interaction is a much bigger hurdle for individuals with autism who are not able to communicate on a verbal level.

"I am aware and sensitive to those who do struggle with this in larger ways than I do,” said Rasmussen.

Academically, Rasmussen experiences difficulties with processing spoken lectures and note-taking, primarily due to his dyslexia and dysgraphia.

Both dyslexia and dysgraphia are learning disabilities that can affect a person's ability to read and write.

Rasmussen was initially hesitant about seeking additional support.

"When I first received my diagnosis, I felt that if I accepted it I would be limiting myself,” Rasmussen said.

After a while, a shift in perspective occurred. Rasmussen realized that the diagnosis was a reflection of inherent traits, not a defining characteristic. This realization paved the way for him to embrace the support available.

One of the resources that Rasmussen was able to utilize at BYUI was the Autism Mentoring Program. Offering support and fostering a sense of belonging, this program’s ultimate goal is to assist students with autism in a way that allows them to achieve their desired BYUI experience.

Rasmussen was additionally inspired by his older sister's positive experiences as a mentor for the program. Witnessing the impact his sister had on the lives of other autistic students, he decided to take a leap of faith and join the program as a mentee.

From the beginning, the program's leadership provided unwavering support and guidance. Their kindness and understanding created a welcoming environment, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

"I utilized the program for about two years,” Rasmussen said. “And I loved it.”

The program's soft structure — combined with the responsibility of setting personal goals and schedules — provided the perfect balance of guidance and autonomy. This framework instrumentally maintained motivation and productivity for Rasmussen as he navigated university life.

One of the program's key attributes that Rasmussen felt set it apart from other resources is its voluntary nature. Mentees have the freedom to engage with the program as needed, whether for a single semester or an extended period.

The program's adaptability allows it to cater to the unique needs of each individual, making it a truly personalized experience.

For many students on the autism spectrum, navigating the complexities of college life can be a daunting challenge. The autism mentoring program at BYUI offers a unique set of resources to help navigate this.

The mentorship program spans a full semester. Pairing autistic students with peer mentors who offer guidance, friendship and practical assistance is one of the program's main objectives. The combination of friendship and active mentorship is a major contribution to the program's success.

Individuals can sign up to be mentors through the BYUI Counseling Center website. New mentors can submit a new mentor screening form that is reviewed by program staff.

All applications are reviewed and those who are a good fit for the program are notified of their acceptance. An information meeting and orientation follow this acceptance, allowing students to learn more about the mentees they will work with, as well as methods to help them achieve success.

The Autism Mentoring Program offers opportunities for students to provide service that does not require a large time commitment. The program estimates both mentees and mentors will spend two hours a week in a mix of training and meetings.

Mentors who sign up for the program participate in mandatory meetings every other Wednesday lasting a maximum of 45 minutes.

In addition to these meetings, mentors schedule a time to meet with their assigned mentee at least once a week. These meetings are arranged in a manner that fits both the mentor's and mentee's schedules, with no time limit.

Reflecting on his academic journey, Rasmussen shared several valuable insights. He expressed that at the beginning of his university career, he wished he had a better understanding of self-care strategies and the importance of reaching out for support during challenging times.

Additionally, he wished he had known about the Autism Mentoring Program earlier, recognizing the invaluable resources and guidance it offers.

Despite these wishes, Rasmussen emphasized the transformative nature of his experiences. Through the support of others and his own unwavering faith, he has developed a deep sense of self-love and acceptance.

He has learned to embrace his unique perspective and capabilities, recognizing that his differences are a source of strength.

Faith has also been a cornerstone in Rasmussen's journey. His belief in Jesus Christ has provided the strength and resilience needed to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals.

Rasmussen relied on the words of Jeffrey R. Holland, acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"Don't you quit,” said Elder Holland in his Oct. 1999 General Conference address. “You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.”

Rasmussen encourages others to focus on the love and encouragement they can receive from God.

"Please reach out for the help you feel you need. Ask God to help you do extraordinary things, things that you may think are impossible to someone with your particular set of struggles,” Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen's journey through higher education is a testament to the power of perseverance, support and faith. Despite the challenges posed by autism, dyslexia and dysgraphia, he has excelled academically and personally.

By embracing the support offered by programs like the Autism Mentoring Program, Rasmussen has been able to navigate the complexities of college life and emerge as a strong, confident individual.

His story has inspired others to overcome adversity, seek help when needed and believe in their own potential.

For additional information regarding autism resources available on campus, visit the Counseling Center's website.

Feature Image: Wedding image of Ammon and Azzayah Rasmussen on their wedding day. Photo Credit: Tasha Rose.