Recently, I was part of a panel that answered questions about views and perspectives about our journey through life on the autism spectrum. For those who don’t know me, my name is Jesse Horn. I am 23 years old and I am a professional speaker who shares my story about growing up with autism. I am also an author whose first book was launched on April 1st, 2020, called “Stacked Against the Odds – Life with Autism and How a Unique Sport Change My Life.” Today, I want to give you a peek at what I feel has put me here at this place in the world due to a passion often called an obsession by many.

Before I give my view on passion, I want to share with you all my passions! As most of you know or may not know, I am very passionate about the sport of sport stacking. I started sport stacking when I was nine years old. The sport has given me so much more than trophies over the years. Sport stacking has given me so much joy, happiness, and overall made my life so much better. The sport has allowed me to be one of the fastest sport stackers and the opportunity for me to win numerous sport stacking competitions. But this sport is so much more than the trophies. It has been the making of memories with my sport stacking family and the opportunity to travel all over the world has truly been the greatest gift I could have ever ask for. My sport stacking family all see me as “Jesse” and not a man with autism. My autism makes no difference to them. To have a family who loves me for who I am, proves that family is not always blood. I am also very passionate about my motivational speaking. When I am up on stage sharing my story about my life with autism and how the sport of sport stacking changed my life with my audience, I feel so happy, confident, powerful, and accepted! Knowing that I have helped so many people, made so many new friends, gave so many people hope, and change so many lives after my presentations is so heartwarming! I will continue my career as a motivational speaker as long as I live, along with my sport stacking, and maybe another book in the future!

If I can give a piece of advice about a passion that many call an obsession to anyone supporting someone with autism is to let that person follow their passion and encourage them to follow it. As I got older, my family recognized how my passion was the unique sport of sport stacking. This sport became my life and it taught me so much about quote a “normal” life. Passions may change just like seasons and that is okay. If you take a look at why I have come as far as I have, it is because of the support from my family and teachers, plus their encouragement to follow my passion and my dream of sharing the same to others not only on the spectrum, but everyone. Many times I have heard people say kids with autism get obsessed with things. If I could change anything, it would be to remove the word obsession and change the word to passion. That passion just maybe their window to success and happiness, as it has for me! I will leave you with this quote “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.” —Bishop T.D. Jakes

Yes, I have found my purpose!

Jesse Horn

Jesse Horn is a 22 year old autism advocate from Buffalo City, WI. At the age of nine, a chance encounter with a unique sport would help Jesse discover a passion that would skyrocket his personal growth and allow him to embrace a newfound sense of self-confidence. Jesse has gone on to earn international titles in Sport Stacking with Team USA, is a motivational speaker and ambassador, and has guest-starred on CBS’s The Doctors.

Order your copy of Jesse’s book, “Stacked Against the Odds”, here.