Diagnosed with autism at age 2, McCollum, 23, of Jackson, earned an Occupational Diploma at Murrah High School but lacked critical credits for a full diploma. 鈥淢y mom thought it was best for me to just get the Occupational Diploma since it was better for people with special needs like me and who aren鈥檛 as advanced as others,鈥 McCollum said.