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A Young Autistic Pennsylvania Lawmaker Overcomes the Odds Jessica Benham has faced disadvantages that would keep most people out of politics. She hasn’t let that stop her from getting elected to the state Legislature. David Kidd, Photojournalist and Storyteller   |   April 21, 2021   |  Features When Jessica Benham talks to her fellow members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, she avoids eye contact, focusing instead on their foreheads. That’s not just a personality quirk. It’s a function of autism. “Some of the things that I do to cope are not noticeable to other people,” she says. “Or they might think are a little odd.” Even so, she manages not to feel entirely out of place in the Legislature. “I don’t think you can look at state legislators,” she jokes, “and think ‘these are the most socially graceful people ever.’”

United statesBethel universityRick krajewskiJessica benhamBryan cutlerMoira kaleidaPennsylvania legislaturePittsburgh centerDuquesne universityAutistic self advocacy networkPennsylvania supreme courtRed bullUniversity of pittsburghPennsylvania houseMinnesota stateAutistic advocacy