Philadelphia (WPVI) — Philadelphia Fashion Week kicks off on Friday, and one of the models represents more than just a designer brand. He represents people with disabilities.

“I like to think I wear different hats,” said Kyle Woodland when discussing his multifaceted career.

The 26-year-old can now be seen casually walking runways and posing for photos for various designers and brands in tall frames and shoulder-length locks.

His photo is seen by many people. But there’s one thing he doesn’t know when he looks at Kyle.

“[I]have been learning about and dealing with autism since I was two years old. I have autism and pervasive developmental disorder,” he said.

These two obstacles make the modeling world very difficult to navigate.

“People are really intolerant of people with autism spectrum disorders when you get into this industry,” Woodland said. Sometimes people with autism have a really hard time reading a room.”

With the help of his agency Glenn Mills’ main line models, Kyle’s first year in the business was a stylish success with national campaigns and appearances at New York Fashion Week.

“They love him,” Main Line Models owner and director Laraine Colden says of the designers and stores who have booked Woodland.

“He’s a go-getter! And he’s not going to accept ‘no’ as an answer,” she said.

Kyle approaches all bookings, including Philadelphia Fashion Week, with the same candor.

“I’m very creative. I’m talented, but I have an autism spectrum disorder,” he said.

This kind of candor is important for people living with some kind of disability, advocates say. Vicki Landers, Founder and Executive Director of Disability Pride PA, says no one should feel like they have to hide their disability.

“One in four people have a disability, visible or invisible,” says Landers. “I think everyone should be proud of who they are.”

Part of Kyle’s success has to do with the support he gets from his agency.

“At one of his fashion shows, one of my bookers actually went to the show with him.

But most of the time, Woodland shines alone, including her appearance in the Netflix movie Hustle with Adam Sandler.

“Adam Sandler is really down to earth,” he said of the star who took the time to pose for a photo with him.

Woodland lights up big screens and computer screens with his own Youtube show, The Kyle Woodland Show. He hopes that by sharing his own story, he can change the face of autism.

“I’m a big advocate of being yourself,” he said. “If you try to hide yourself or be someone else, you will never succeed or show your true self.”