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Bennett didn't get to where he is now without his share of struggles. He didn't walk until he was 4 years old, and didn’t talk until he was 7.

But he graduated from high school with solid grades this past spring, and is now attending Link Year Prep in Branson, Missouri, a move many high-level athletes make before launching into D1 play.

By signing Bennett, Kent State might be creating a precedent that other top schools may want to follow. The school works with the Autism Initiative for Research, Education, and Outreach (AIREO), and Partnering for Achievement and Learning Success (P.A.L.S.) -- programs aimed at helping young adults with autism adjust to college life.

Kent State currently has several dozen registered students living with autism, but there could be many more unregistered students, according to Gina Campana, the assistant director of the Office of Faculty Success and Inclusion. She added that the school is dedicated to raising awareness about autism and supporting anyone on the spectrum.

From college to the pros. From the hardwood, to the field, to the track ALL the way to the ice. The Trail Blazers that have set up the path for others like us in the ASD Community & beyond!! #Brotherhood @Ktech50 @jmac5220 @MikeyBrannigan @TeamArmaniRacin @WAurand @autismspeaks pic.twitter.com/caj27jVUzs

— Anthony Ianni (@AI44LYD) November 27, 2018

Kalin will be joined at Kent State by his mother, Sonja Bennett, who has been a rock for him all his life.

“I talked to [Kent State] coach [Rob Senderoff], and I was like, ‘Unless my mom comes, I ain’t comin’,\" Bennett told Cleveland.com. \"The separation anxiety really doesn’t upset me no more. But at the same time, I still like that support. Even when I have the best day of my life, I still want to make sure I see my mom’s face.\"

The college agreed, and Senderoff said the team is ready to make the proper adjustments on and off the court to make sure Bennett thrives both academically and athletically.

I just want to say one thing I had offers before Kent State and before prep school but the reason Kent and others recruited me isn’t because of my Autism and don’t get me wrong it’s cool to make history but they wanted me because I CAN HOOP AND I LOVE PLAYING BASKETBALL ????

— Kalin Ktech Bennett (@Ktech50) November 28, 2018

But Bennett wants to make one thing clear -- he wasn't recruited because he has autism.

\"I just want to say one thing I had offers before Kent State and before prep school but the reason Kent and others recruited me isn’t because of my Autism and don’t get me wrong it’s cool to make history but they wanted me because I CAN HOOP AND I LOVE PLAYING BASKETBALL,\" he tweeted on Tuesday as his story went viral.

And even with his success, Bennett took time on social media to thank all of those who helped him get to where he is today.

Thanks Coach https://t.co/mR97IQdOJK

— Kalin Ktech Bennett (@Ktech50) November 28, 2018

Thanks Mrs.Jones https://t.co/fKdogrH29g

— Kalin Ktech Bennett (@Ktech50) November 28, 2018

Congrats Kalin, you earned it!

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